Fire Department updates on station repairs, PHS bond balance and PPE procurement amid supply-chain delays

San Francisco — At the July 27 Fire Commission meeting, support services and operations staff reported on capital and procurement matters affecting fire stations and safety equipment.

Chief Ramon Serrano said the Social Public Health and Safety bond (PHS bond) shows a remaining balance of $9,100,000, which the department is using for station infrastructure projects including station generators and the removal and seismic reconstruction of historic hose towers. Serrano identified Station 15 as an example where the tower will be removed and seismically rebuilt to meet historical-preservation requirements in coordination with the planning department.

Staff reported that tenant improvements at 1415 Evans (the old Station 49, now used as the community paramedicine headquarters and an equipment bureau) are about 80% complete but that delivery of HVAC units and some vehicles has been delayed by supply-chain problems. The department said it relies on DPW for trades and contracts, but DPW will contract with city-approved outside vendors when overcapacity requires it; staff said DPW currently uses Sheedy for crane services.

On turnout personal protective equipment, Serrano told commissioners that an award has been made to All Star, the Lion representative that won the bid; the department will purchase Lion-brand turnout gear and continue to buy FireDecks when vendors can deliver faster. Chief Okada and Serrano emphasized that supply-chain issues remain the department’s largest obstacle to timely delivery and sizing of new gear.

Commissioner questions also covered random drug and alcohol testing procedures, with staff explaining a daily-lottery selection generated by a vendor and a confirmatory retest process when a positive result occurs.

Next steps: Staff said they will continue to report on Station 49 completion, hose-tower reconstruction timelines, procurement deliveries, and PPE sizing for upcoming classes.