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SFFD chief reports third‑alarm Chestnut Street fire, PFAS‑free turnout rollout, and NERT school partnership
Summary
Chief Dean Crispin briefed the commission on a third‑alarm Chestnut Street fire that injured three firefighters and remains under investigation, a citywide rollout of PFAS‑free turnout gear the chief described as the largest in the U.S., and a partnership effort to bring NERT training into San Francisco high schools.
Chief of Department Dean Crispin opened his departmental report on Oct. 22 with updates on training, large‑scale drills and partnerships, and an incident review.
Crispin said the Oct. 15 third‑alarm blaze at 2252 Chestnut Street spread to adjacent addresses and resulted in three firefighter injuries; two were fall injuries and one remained hospitalized following spinal surgery. ‘‘Fire cause and origin is still under investigation,’’ he said, noting that Arson Task Force 47 is leading the probe and that Chief Grama will provide a fuller report at the next commission meeting.
The chief described recent training and preparedness work, including a successful pump‑station drill that demonstrated drawing water from San Francisco Bay to augment high‑pressure systems in case of main failures. He highlighted outreach and recruitment initiatives—pre‑academy boot camps, career fairs, and coordination with the San Francisco Unified School District to integrate Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT) programs into high‑school curriculum so graduates are better prepared for public‑safety careers.
On firefighter safety equipment, Crispin announced a department rollout of PFAS‑free turnout gear and called it a major innovation. “This is revolutionary. We are the largest department to have this rollout of PFAS‑free turnouts in The United States,” he said, adding that members will also receive turnout bags to protect gear in transport.
Crispin also noted department planning for major upcoming events including Super Bowl 60 and the FIFA event next summer and said the department is coordinating with partner agencies on event safety and logistics.
Commissioners praised drill outcomes and outreach efforts and asked for follow‑ups on facilities priorities and interagency cooperation; the chief and command staff committed to updates where appropriate. The report generated multiple commissioner questions but no formal action items at the meeting.
