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Commissioners press SFFD on storage plan for antique fire apparatus; department outlines temporary shrink-wrap approach
Summary
Residents and the Guardians of the City raised concerns about relocation and preservation of the SFFD’s antique apparatus. The department said it will partially wrap about 15 rigs at Treasure Island as a temporary measure while seeking permanent storage.
Several public commentators and trustees urged the commission to find a long-term, climate-appropriate home for San Francisco’s historic fire apparatus and criticized a lack of communication about recent moves.
Jackie Sasus Martin, trustee of the Guardians of the City and director of the Fire Museum, said the Guardians learned of the movement plans through retired deputy chief Rich Kochovar and Atlas Towing rather than department coordination. She said Guardians oppose a proposed ‘‘shrink-wrap’’ approach and requested closer collaboration so the group may approve funding or alternatives.
"Respectfully, this is not entirely the case," Jackie Sasus Martin said, correcting an earlier characterization of collaboration by a deputy chief and asking for closer coordination going forward.
Paul Barry, a 40-year automotive and collector-car professional, warned commissioners that low-density polyethylene shrink-wrap can produce internal condensation and mold unless ventilation and desiccants are used; he said it should not be treated as equivalent to interior climate-controlled storage.
Assistant Deputy Chief Tony Rivera told the commission the department is moving forward with protective covering but described a different approach than commenters feared: the selected wrap has mildew-resistant treatment, the department will only cover tops and sides (leaving ventilation from the bottom), install silica packs in vulnerable interior spaces, and treat the measure as temporary until a permanent facility can be secured. Rivera said crews plan to shrink-wrap roughly 15 rigs and will house three restored parade vehicles in department facilities.
Commissioners repeatedly asked that the department and the Guardians meet to improve communication on both short-term moves and the long-term plan. The commission did not take a formal vote on storage beyond approving other agenda items; commissioners asked the chief’s office to convene a working meeting with representatives from the Guardians of the City.
