Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Acting chief details July incidents and EMS vehicle review as SFFD weighs ambulance design options
Summary
Acting Chief Mark Gonzalez reported two greater alarms in July, multiple mutual-aid wildfire deployments (including Mendocino Complex), several rescues and EMS fatalities, and an upcoming academy graduation. Chief Tony Rivera and EMS staff described ambulance trials and design trade-offs, including a candidate with roughly 1,000-pound reduction and 10 mounting points; commissioners urged careful selection and timely procurement.
Acting Chief Mark Gonzalez told the Fire Commission that July included multiple significant incidents and mutual-aid deployments and that the department is closing out the fiscal year and preparing for academy graduations.
"They're working on the budget...and on August 1, the mayor, Mayor Breed signed the budget," Gonzalez said, and noted that the fourth academy will graduate 49 members on Aug. 10. He summarized two greater alarms in July: a 02:52 a.m. second alarm at the Golden Gate Park Golf Course clubhouse with low-pressure hydrant and access issues, and a third-alarm fire at 1333 Columbus with heavy attic fire; in both cases incident commanders emphasized firefighter safety and staged withdrawals where interior conditions were untenable.
Gonzalez also described mutual-aid wildfire support: OES personnel led by Lieutenant Lars Aspen, and a strike team led by Brian Rubinstein that deployed to fires including the Mendocino Complex.
On EMS and fleet, Chief Tony Rivera described the departments ambulance evaluation. Teams reviewed vehicles in Los Angeles and tested two smaller-profile pilot ambulances; Rivera said the vendors proposed module produced an approximate 1,000-pound weight reduction and used 10 mounting points for the box, but commissioners and EMS staff warned that smaller rear compartments can make advanced resuscitation and patient care difficult.
"What we have been experiencing is premature cracking of the cab... due in part to the unique topography of San Francisco and the size and weight of our current ambulances," Rivera said, explaining the search for a design that balances structural durability with tight turning and steep grades in the city. EMS Chief Andy Zahnoff said response times remain within targets and crews are meeting goals while the vehicle selection continues.
Commissioners emphasized caution in procurement and asked for updates on remaining funds and timelines; Rivera said unspent funds roll into the next budget and that staff are close to selecting a vehicle design.
