March 2008

Firefighters Ward-Off Fires, Industrial Accidents, and Leaky Faucets

By Kerry Fleisher

A rash of fires and workplace accidents in Southeast San Francisco over the past two months has heightened residents’ concerns about the potential dangers associated with living in highly-combustible wooden structures in the midst of the City’s most industrialized areas.  Fire destroyed a Minnesota Street home, an explosion at the site of the former Hunters Point Power Plant caused the death of a Pacific Gas and Electric Company employee, and an industrial crane fell into the Bay at a shipyard located at Illinois and 20th Street.  Yet while Potrero Hill’s firefighters were called to these scenes, when asked about their recent recollections they focused on the plethora of leaky faucets caused by this year’s rainy weather.

“We were out all day fixing pipes and leaks at the end of January,” said firefighter Cantrez Triplett, shaking her head.  “That was one of the most exhausting weeks this year.”

San Franciscans may be surprised to learn that firefighters are on call 24-hours a day for more than just house fires.  Since teaming-up with the Department of Health roughly a decade ago, San Francisco firefighters are required to become trained paramedics whose responsibilities run the gamut from health emergencies, single alarm fires, and water leaks.  “I’ve even potty trained boys on the Hill,” said one smiling firefighter.  “Maybe my proudest moment.”

The firefighters average five calls a day, and prefer more activity to a quiet day in the station.  “We like to be busy” said firefighter Jack Forbes.  The firefighters stationed at 22th and Wisconsin streets are responsible for the area bound by Potrero Avenue, 17th and Cesar Chavez streets and the Bay.  In the event of a fire, their comrades stationed at 16th and Vermont streets and Third and Cargo Way (who they refer to as “the flatlanders”) are dispatched to the scene.

Even when the sirens aren’t wailing, the firefighters watch-out for their neighbors.  “The nearby neighbors really appreciate us,” said Triplett.  “We are their eyes and ears.  When someone sketchy seems to be lingering nearby, we inform them immediately and they always appreciate that.”

On quieter days, firefighters on the Hill make their rounds of inspections, and often have to rely on their previous job training to problem-solve neighborhood debacles.  Gillian Lucier, a firefighter stationed on the Hill, recalls having to chainsaw a wedge between two buildings to release a trapped cat.  “Lots of firefighters bring tools from old trades to this industry,” she said.  Firefighters on the Hill were in unanimous agreement that chainsaws—contrary to popular belief—are the most versatile, useful gadget for firefighters.

Nights on the Hill may be revered for their peace and quiet by residents, but not so for firefighters.  Potrero firefighters say that the Hill is more night-prone than other neighborhoods.  “The night calls seem to ebb and flow depending on the time of year,” said firefighter Kevin Garry.  Cold weather also brings its own set of trials and tribulations.  During the post-Christmas season, mischievous teenagers take to burning dead trees parked on the street for fun. “Dry trees are like matches,” said Garry.

 

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