Public urges strong seismic firefighting plan and specific traits for next San Francisco fire chief

San Francisco — Speakers at a Nov. 28 special meeting of the San Francisco Fire Commission pressed commissioners to prioritize earthquake resiliency and department health and training when selecting the next fire chief, urging concrete steps on the Auxiliary Water Supply System (AWSS), local hiring and mutual‑aid readiness.

Retired assistant deputy chief Duthier told the commission the next chief must put preservation of life first and plan for post‑earthquake conflagrations, arguing that the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s (SFPUC) so‑called "option 12" for the Outer Richmond and Outer Sunset would mathematically provide only three AWSS hydrants and therefore be inadequate if dozens of fires ignited after a major quake. "A chief must not endorse such an absurdly inadequate proposal," Duthier said, urging the commission to demand systems that supply "a continuous and inexhaustible supply of water."

Why it matters: Commissioners will refer three finalists to the mayor, and public and rank‑and‑file views will shape what qualifications the commission seeks. Multiple speakers said water and earthquake response planning are life‑and‑death priorities for dense residential neighborhoods in the western city.

Other speakers urged complementary priorities. Nancy Werfel asked the commission to add a project to its 10‑year capital plan to extend the original AWSS with three new saltwater pump stations to serve unprotected residential neighborhoods, saying the PUC's current proposals rely too heavily on limited drinking‑water sources. "The new chief should make the AWSS expansion a top priority," Werfel said.

Lieutenant Heather Buren, a 20‑year SFFD member, asked the commission to seek a chief who will prioritize firefighter health and wellness (including cancer prevention and post‑traumatic stress support), expand training across ranks and collaborate across divisions and agencies. "We need continued growth of our training division," Buren said, adding that a chief who can "work together" will win rank‑and‑file support.

Commissioner response: Commissioners thanked the speakers and emphasized the need for broader outreach to the rank and file and employee organizations. Commissioner Veronese said turnout at the meeting was not a representative cross section of the department and pledged to visit stations and solicit input from union locals and firefighter affinity groups; Vice President Steven Acasio and other commissioners urged commissioners to proactively meet employee groups. Veronese also asked the department to provide a report on worst‑case earthquake scenarios and how the department would respond if multiple simultaneous fires occurred, including water‑supply implications.

What’s next: The commission said it will add more opportunities for public input at a regular meeting scheduled for December 12 and continue station visits and written solicitations from employee organizations as it narrows candidates to three finalists to send to the mayor.