Operations report: May fires, high‑rise violations and arson caseloads highlighted

Deputy Chief Mark Gonzales reported operational activity for May, including 18 working fires and multiple rescues and evacuations. "During the month of May, there were no greater alarms, but we had 18 working fires," Gonzales said, and highlighted quick on‑scene action and several notable incidents where occupants were evaluated and expected to recover.

Gonzales also outlined EMS and fleet initiatives—work on a smaller‑profile ambulance pilot designed for better handling and crew safety, ongoing recruitment for per‑diem personnel to stabilize staffing, and outreach activities for EMS week. He said the department is continuing to work with central shops and Fleet to improve apparatus availability.

Fire Prevention and the Bureau of Fire Investigation reported inspection and enforcement activity. The fire marshal said San Francisco has about 609 high rises subject to annual inspection; most notices of violation relate to active fire‑protection systems and maintenance of passive fire‑rated assemblies and egress. The marshal reported roughly 108 open active investigations and a target case load of 70–80 per investigator; many open cases were vehicle or outdoor fires rather than structure fires.

Commissioners asked for a breakdown of high‑rise violations by commercial versus residential status and requested that arson‑investigation results be shared with the commission and public when appropriate. The fire marshal said the department will prepare more granular breakdowns and is willing to provide summaries of investigation outcomes where appropriate.

Next steps: Department leaders said they will provide the requested breakdown of high‑rise NOVs and continue to pursue the smaller ambulance pilot and fleet improvements.