“We recognize our history, we acknowledge it, we appreciate it, but we also are learning. We intend on improving our system at all times.”
San Francisco Fire Chief Dean Crispen
THE SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT held a live emergency firefighting water system demonstration Tuesday in commemoration of the 120-year anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
After more than a century since the earthquake that leveled buildings and sparked a catastrophic fire across San Francisco on April 18, 1906, at 5:12 a.m., the SFFD demonstrated their preparations for when another major earthquake shakes the Bay Area.
Chief Dean Crispen led the event at Fire Station 35 located at Pier 22.5. He said it was crucial that not only the fire department, but the entire city be reminded of the importance of proactively planning for disasters.
“We recognize our history, we acknowledge it, we appreciate it, but we also are learning,” said Crispen. “We intend on improving our system at all times.”
The SFFD partnered with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to show the high-pressure water system and other assets the city would use in case of a fire. The demonstration included powerful jets of water streaming into the San Francisco waterfront from hydrants, fire trucks, and a firefighting boat.
SFPUC General Manager Dennis Herrera said the city has a world-class firefighting system, but upgrades were still necessary to keep more people safe after decades of a rapidly growing city. He reminded people of the devastation inflicted by the 1906 earthquake — which knocked out critical water systems and sparked fires that rapidly grew out of control.
“Back then, fires raged for three days after the quake because San Francisco’s water system was not able to provide enough water to fight the fires,” said Herrera. “Most cities then and now, rely on their municipal drinking water system for firefighting. San Francisco does as well as a strong first line of defense, but in the decades since 1906 we have added multiple additional layers of fire protection across San Francisco.”
According to the SFPUC, the city has 135 miles of earthquake resilient pipelines that deliver water at high pressure from independent water sources. San Francisco also counts on water intakes and pumping stations along its waterfront.
Voters to decide emergency response measure
The demonstration conducted by SFFD showcased what first responders could do when they have the tools necessary after a disaster, according to city officials, who say San Francisco is taking steps to keep emergency services operational.
This June, San Francisco voters will be asked to weigh in on the Earthquake Safety and Emergency Response Bond — also known as Proposition A — which would raise $535 million over the next 30 years through a property tax for seismic retrofits of emergency service buildings, replacing aging infrastructure, and fund an overhaul of the 110-year-old bus garage at the Potrero Yard.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and other city leaders have pushed for a yes vote on Prop. A. They said it is imperative to invest in emergency response services before a disaster to minimize the downtime first responders might face.
“San Francisco has learned through painful experience that in a major disaster, it is not just the earthquake that devastates a city, it is the fire that follows,” said Lurie during an event raising awareness about Prop. A on March 27. “Preparing now will save lives, protect homes and businesses and reduce long term economic damage.”
The $535 million bond would be issued after old bonds are retired, effectively keeping property tax rates the same.
A dedicated high-pressure water system, separate from the regular supply, would receive $130 million. About $100 million would be invested in firefighting facilities, $72 million for police buildings, and an additional $33 million to retrofit other “public safety” entities.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency would receive over $200 million to overhaul the Potrero Yard bus garage. The funds would help ensure that the facility remains operational after a major earthquake and keep people, especially emergency service responders, moving.
The SFFD will commemorate the 120th anniversary of the 1906 earthquake and fire this Saturday with two events: the annual 4:30 a.m. gathering at Lotta’s Fountain on Market Street and a subsequent ceremonial repainting of the Golden Fire Hydrant at Mission Dolores Park.