Fire chief warns wooden encampment structures are a major fire risk; department outlines staffing and training updates

Chief Joanne Hayes White opened the department—s report at the Aug. 23 Fire Commission meeting by announcing the death of active member Perry Choi, who suffered a stroke and died after a period of declining health; she asked the commission to hold his family in their thoughts.

In operational updates, Chief Hayes White said Academy 120 is in its final weeks with a graduation scheduled Sept. 8 at Treasure Island and that the department expects additional entrants in late September and February. She said the department plans several promotions and had 52 applicants for two advertised H23 administrative positions.

On street‑level public‑safety issues, the chief said SFFD has joined the Encampment Resolution Team (ERT) and raised concern about an increase in wooden structures in encampments. "It's an accident waiting to happen," she said, explaining some structures are built with surplus materials, may be on casters and in some instances are two‑story. The department described a cautious, stepwise approach: evaluate wooden structures, post appropriate notification and coordinate with DPW to remove those that present clear fire hazards while continuing outreach to offer housing alternatives.

Chief Hayes White also outlined preparations for a busy weekend of planned protests and rallies: SFFD will coordinate staffing with the police department, the Department of Emergency Management and private ambulance providers, and will place rescue captains in command posts and the EOC as needed to ensure EMS capacity.

Commissioners applauded the department—s outreach, asked for follow‑up on encampment counts and needle‑use risks and pressed for clear notification timelines for academy candidate selections. The chief said she aims to give candidates at least two weeks' notice before academy start dates.