DGO8.06 "Fire Procedures"

8.06.01 PURPOSE

The purpose of this order is to establish guidelines for San Francisco Police Department (SFPD/Department) members at fire scenes, including duties of patrol officers, supervisors, and command personnel.

In addition to the potential loss of life and serious injury, the monetary loss associated with arson fires in San Francisco is considerable. The San Francisco Arson Task Force (Task Force) is comprised of the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) Bureau of Fire Investigation (BFI) and the SFPD Arson Detail. The Task Force is responsible for determining the “cause and origin” of fires and conducting related criminal investigations.

8.06.02 DEFINITIONS

1. Flammable Liquid - A liquid or liquid solution capable of being ignited.
2. Firebombs - A container storing flammable liquid designed or used to ignite a fire (e.g., Molotov Cocktail per California Penal Code § 16460(a)(5)).

8.06.03 POLICY

The Department shall offer assistance to fire agencies during emergency events and work to ensure public safety.

Members assigned to the SFPD Airport Bureau shall follow Airport Bureau protocols regarding fire responses and fire/arson investigations.

8.06.04 PROCEDURES

1. Duties of Patrol Officers
   1. Notifications
      1. Notify Dispatch if the fire is “On View” and request that a field supervisor is notified.
      2. Notify the Arson Task Force if evidence of a Molotov Cocktail or flammable liquid is detected at the scene.
   2. Traffic Control - When requested by SFFD, perform traffic and crowd control. Members may cite drivers who drive over unprotected fire hoses (Vehicle Code § 21708).
   3. Fire Lines - Prohibit unauthorized access inside the fire line. The following people are authorized to enter the fire line perimeter, provided that their presence does not impede or interfere with firefighting operations:
      1. The Mayor, including staff.
      2. Postal and Public Utilities employees, if in the performance of their duties.
      3. Officials and employees of the San Francisco Port Commission, if the fire is on a wharf, pier, or bulkhead under its jurisdiction.
      4. Owners, tenants, and employees of buildings endangered by fire.
      5. Media members; however, are not allowed to enter the affected building(s) (Penal Code § 409.5(d)(1)).
      6. People with valid livestock pass identification documentation (Penal Code § 409.5).
   4. Evacuations/Fire Line Enforcement - California Penal Code § 409.5 authorizes members to restrict access or evacuate areas posing threats to public health or safety created by a calamity (which includes wildfires or structural fires) and provides a legal basis for establishing fire scene perimeters and enforcing compliance.
   5. Evidence
      1. When necessary, BFI will respond to the scene and analyze liquids to determine if they are flammable. BFI will provide a sealed metal container (similar to a paint can), which contains vials of the sampled, flammable liquid.
      2. Accept the metal container as evidence and follow evidence booking procedures.
      3. Record the evidence collection in the incident report.
      4. The Arson Task Force is NOT responsible for storage of volatile or flammable liquid substances, including firebombs, that contain no other hazardous non-liquid components (See DGO 8.08, Bomb Threats, Clandestine Laboratories, Destructive Devices, Explosions, and Fireworks).
2. Duties of Sergeants
   1. Response - Respond to the scene of a second or greater alarm fire or when requested.
   2. Notification - Notify the Lieutenant of conditions at the scene of a two alarm or greater fire.
   3. Command Post (CP) - If necessary, establish a CP and set up fire line perimeters. Maintain the CP and perimeter until relieved.
3. Duties of Lieutenants
   1. Response - Respond to the scene when there is a second or greater alarm fire.
   2. Command Post - Assume command of the CP and maintain fire line restrictions.
   3. Security - If the premises cannot be secured and the owner or agent cannot be located, detail a member to protect the premises.
   4. Reports - Ensure that any necessary reports are prepared.
4. Investigations
   1. When members take suspects into custody who have set or attempted to set fires, notify the Arson Task Force.
   2. If a suspect meets the criteria for 5150 W&I, confer with Arson Task Force prior to transporting a subject to a mental health facility. Criminal charges will take precedence over immediate mental health evaluations.