San Francisco Fire Department unveils custom design for hose tenders prototype

The City of San Francisco held a meeting on July 4, 2025, focusing on the development and procurement of custom-designed hose tenders for the fire department. The discussion highlighted the challenges faced in acquiring these essential pieces of equipment due to the lack of standard sizes available on the market.

The meeting began with a question regarding the hose tenders, which are not readily available for purchase off the shelf. It was noted that each unit must be custom-designed, although the department has developed a specific design that they plan to replicate for future orders. The first prototype of this design is currently in production, and its acceptance will determine the specifications for subsequent units.

Participants expressed optimism about the prototype's potential to streamline the procurement process. The ongoing supply chain issues affecting the automotive and truck industries were acknowledged, but the development of a standardized design is expected to mitigate delays in future orders.

The fire department previously identified a need for 20 hose tenders to adequately protect the West Side of the city, and the progress on the prototype was seen as a positive step toward meeting this requirement. The meeting concluded with a sense of encouragement regarding the advancements in the design and production of these critical tools for public safety.