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Fire chief outlines hiring, equipment plan and growing EMS calls; asks for data to quantify call drivers
Summary
Chief Joanne Hayes White reported rising call volumes (projected ~145,000 calls, a ~20% increase in three years), ongoing hiring academies, a multi‑year equipment and fleet plan, and capital work on aging stations; she said federal grants funded recent equipment including an $11.5M fireboat and emphasized outreach and EMS programs aimed at frequent 911 users.
The San Francisco Fire Department told the Budget and Finance Committee that call volumes — especially medical and EMS calls — have risen substantially in recent years and that the department is pursuing a multi‑year hiring and equipment plan to maintain response levels.
Chief Joanne Hayes White (and deputy staff) said the department projects to respond to over 145,000 calls this year, roughly a 20% increase from three years ago, and that recent investments (including staff hires and fleet replacements) have improved response times. She described a multi‑year equipment and fleet plan, replacement of extrication equipment, reopening Battalion 5 in January and an ongoing hiring plan to offset attrition and anticipated retirements.
Chief Hayes White also noted the department obtained a new fireboat (about $11.5 million) with approximately $8.5 million in federal funds and $3 million from the city; she said federal grants have funded other hiring and equipment needs.
Supervisors asked for more granular data to separate population growth from other call drivers (homelessness, opioid overdoses) so the committee can better target staffing and resources; the chief committed to provide a breakdown. Commissioner Steven Nicasio of the Fire Commission spoke in support of department efforts and said the commission is coordinating with administration on implementation.
The committee filed the hearing on the Fire Department budget without objection.
