Fire department warns autonomous vehicles are hindering emergency response, urges action

Chief Ginny Nicholson, chief of the San Francisco Fire Department, told the Fire Commission on May 10 that the department has logged multiple incidents in which autonomous vehicles interfered with emergency response, at times preventing crews from leaving stations or reaching calls. "These vehicles are not ready for prime time," Nicholson said, describing episodes in which an autonomous car ran over and damaged a hose outside Station 2 and another stopped directly in front of a rig at Engine 36 so crews could not get to a call.

Nicholson said firefighters have had to take emergency measures at scenes, including breaking a vehicle window to stop a vehicle that would not move. "We've been told, 'oh, you can call this phone number' — and we don't have time to call a phone number," she said, describing the impracticality of relying on a non-emergency process during life‑safety responses.

Commissioner Catherine Feinstein said the incidents are alarming and recounted a case where a firefighter reportedly smashed a windshield to bring a vehicle to a stop. "It's really kind of creepy and scary when there's nobody there," Feinstein said, pressing the department for clarity on coordination with companies that build and operate autonomous vehicles and for options the commission could pursue.

Nicholson said oversight and permitting decisions for driverless operation rest with the state Department of Motor Vehicles. "The state DMV has the oversight," she said, adding the department will pursue "grassroots" advocacy with the MTA, the mayor's office and Board of Supervisors and that a supervisors' hearing may be forthcoming.

Vice President Morgan and other commissioners described personal near‑misses and voiced support for aggressive interagency follow-up. The commission did not take formal action at the meeting but directed the department to report back with next steps.

The exchange highlighted an operational conflict between rapidly advancing vehicle automation and the city's emergency-response needs; Nicholson asked the commission for support as the department pursues policy and regulatory remedies.