Operations chief reports no greater‑alarm fires in June; highlights rescues, inspection catch‑up and helicopter policy

Deputy Chief Darius Letthrop delivered the operations update for June, reporting there were "no greater alarm fires in the month of June" while noting 21 reported fires (107 total boxes) and 17 working fires. He told commissioners the department responded to 11 water rescues and four cliff rescues and is shifting training and resources to improve responses in the city's southeast and other areas.

Letthrop highlighted photos in the packet illustrating ladder operations in dense urban terrain and discussed a helicopter policy referenced as "Geo23839" that now has associated training and a general order tie‑in. "That policy and the training dovetail together," he said, noting coordination with the California Highway Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard on air rescues.

On prevention, Letthrop said the fire marshal’s office is essentially caught up on permanent inspections after COVID‑era backlogs (he acknowledged a typo in the packet for a port figure). He also discussed coordination with the building department as the city implements state housing rules and local housing initiatives, saying the department is working to preserve access for fire operations as infill units are built under SB 9 and other housing efforts.

Commissioners asked for clarifications on inspection numbers and the helicopter policy; the department offered to make the policy and general order available for review.