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Commissioners press SFFD on EMS reconfiguration, reserve apparatus and access to PG&E facilities
Summary
During an April 6 special Fire Commission meeting, commissioners questioned Chief Joanne Hayes White about the department's EMS reconfiguration, reserve apparatus readiness, pump‑station staffing, and continuing disputes over access and mapping with PG&E.
Commissioners used the April 6 special meeting to press the San Francisco Fire Department on several operational issues after the chief’s presentation on large‑scale incident response.
EMS reconfiguration
Chief Hayes White said the department launched an EMS reconfiguration March 20 with a first class of 24 hires and is phasing in new transport tiers and 4‑10 hour shift configurations to reduce fatigue and improve ambulance availability. "We officially launched it March 20 with the new hire of 24 individuals," she said, and estimated the reconfiguration would take 18 to 24 months to complete.
Reserve apparatus, caches and supplies
Commissioners asked whether the city keeps reserve engines and trucks pre‑equipped for immediate deployment. The chief said a reserve fleet exists but OSHA and safety concerns have removed some older apparatus from service; the department uses a change‑over procedure to outfit reserve units when frontline apparatus require maintenance, and she said caches of equipment and water remain a priority for improvement.
Pump stations and staffing
On whether pump stations like the Jones Street tank are staffed 24 hours, Hayes White said the Jones Street tank no longer has a 24‑hour firefighter assignment after funding cuts three years earlier; the department relies on nearby stations, on‑call stationary engineers and Pump Station 2 (Van Ness) to provide coverage and to increase pressure when needed.
PG&E access and mapping
Commissioner MacKes raised a long‑running concern that PG&E has been slow to allow the Fire Department and Building Department access to facility plans and mapping. The chief said relations have improved, that PG&E has engaged in a safety‑team process and has provided some mapping, but she acknowledged further work is required to ensure firefighters can enter PG&E facilities safely during incidents.
Budget framing and next steps
Commissioner MacKes urged the commission to present a "perfect" budget to reflect operational needs so that reductions are understood by supervisors and the public. The commission did not adopt fiscal changes at the special meeting; instead members requested follow‑up on reserve caching, PG&E mapping, pump‑station staffing and progress reports on EMS reconfiguration.
