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Operations report: two greater alarms, surf‑rescue fatalities and a 145‑case investigation backlog; commissioners press for clarity on street‑change impacts
Summary
Deputy chiefs described two recent greater‑alarm fires, surf‑rescue responses that included two fatalities, EMS call volumes and an updated count of 145 open fire/gas investigations; commissioners sought more detail on how street‑change plans and recent code changes affect response and inspections.
Chief Gonzales delivered the operations report, describing two greater‑alarm fires in late April and early May, technical rescues and a Bay Rescue operation involving the Golden Gate area. She said crews performed well and reported two minor firefighter injuries during a four‑story fire whose likely cause was an overheated dryer.
On ocean‑beach incidents, Gonzalez recounted a joint response for teens swept out to sea and two fatalities; she said the department is coordinating outreach and messaging with U.S. Coast Guard, National Park Service and other partners. She also noted use of tablet command applications and other incident‑command tools.
Chief Gonzales reported EMS activity numbers for the reporting period: ambulances responded 7,131 times (about 68.9% market share) and transported roughly 70.6% of patients. She attributed a small decline in market share to a temporary "bump up" academy that put paramedics momentarily out of service; recruitment and additional training were under way.
On fire investigations, she corrected earlier figures and said the Bureau of Fire Investigation currently has 145 open fire/gas investigations: 16 awaiting final review, about 100 being drafted by active members, and 29 authored by members who have returned to suppression or retired.
Several commissioners raised concerns about street‑change proposals and the potential for reduced clear widths, raised boarding islands and other traffic features to impede hydrant access and vehicle turning radii. Fire department representatives said they participate in the Transportation Advisory Staff Committee with MTA and other jurisdictions and will prepare a fuller briefing on how current and proposed street designs affect response capabilities.
Commissioners also expressed frustration that some code changes had been adopted by the Board of Supervisors without an opportunity for full Fire Commission review; department leaders said staff had attended meetings and would improve written notifications to commissioners.
Next steps: staff agreed to provide a more detailed presentation on street‑change impacts and to follow up on public‑access requests for fire‑investigation reporting procedures.
