San Francisco fire crews hold a waterfront demonstration on the anniversary of the 1906 earthquake

“We recognize, acknowledge, and appreciate our history, but we are also learning. We intend to improve our system at all times.” San Francisco Fire Chief Dean Crispin

The San Francisco Fire Department held a live demonstration of its emergency firefighting water system Tuesday to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

More than a century after the earthquake flattened buildings and sparked a catastrophic fire across San Francisco on April 18, 1906, at 5:12 a.m., the Fund has demonstrated its preparedness when another major earthquake rocks the Bay Area.

Chief Brigadier Crispin led the event at Fire Station 35 located at Pier 22.5. He said it’s important that not only the fire department, but the entire city, is reminded of the importance of proactive disaster planning.

San Francisco lay in ruins following the 7.9 magnitude earthquake and fire that occurred on April 18, 1906. The earthquake killed an estimated 3,000 people and destroyed more than 25,000 buildings. (HD Chadwick/National Archives via Wikimedia Commons, CC0)

“We recognize our history, we acknowledge it, we appreciate it, but we also learn,” Crispin said. “We intend to improve our system at all times.”

SFD teamed up with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to demonstrate the high-pressure water system and other assets the city would use in the event of a fire. The demonstration included powerful jets of water pouring onto the San Francisco waterfront from hydrants, fire trucks and a fire boat.

San Francisco Fire Chief Dean Crispin and Mayor Daniel Lurie attend an event to commemorate the 1906 earthquake and showcase the city’s firefighting capabilities on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in San Francisco. Residents will be asked to vote on new bonds that will be used to improve emergency preparedness throughout the city. (Andres Jimenez Larios/Bay City News)

Dennis Herrera, general director of the SFPUC, said the city has a world-class firefighting system, but improvements are still needed to keep more people safe after decades of the city’s rapid growth. He reminded people of the devastation caused by the 1906 earthquake, which destroyed vital water systems and sparked fires that quickly spiraled out of control.

“At the time, the fires burned for three days after the earthquake because San Francisco’s water system was not able to provide enough water to fight the fires,” Herrera said. “Most cities then and now rely on their municipal drinking water system to fight fires. San Francisco does that in addition to a strong first line of defense, but in the decades after 1906 we have added multiple additional layers of fire protection across San Francisco.”

According to the SFPUC, the city has 135 miles of earthquake-resistant pipelines that supply water under high pressure from independent water sources. San Francisco also relies on water intakes and pumping stations along the waterfront.

Voters must decide on emergency response measures

The SFD demonstration showed what first responders can do when they have the tools needed after a disaster, according to city officials, who say San Francisco is taking steps to keep emergency services running.

This June, voters in San Francisco will be asked for their opinion on a seismic safety and emergency response bond – also known as Proposition A – that would raise $535 million over the next 30 years through property tax for seismic retrofits of emergency services buildings, replace aging infrastructure, and fund a major overhaul of the 110-year-old bus garage at Potrero Yard. Two San Francisco firefighters turn off a fire hydrant at an event commemorating the 1906 earthquake and demonstrate their firefighting capabilities on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (Andres Jiménez Larios/Bay City News)

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and other city leaders have pushed for a yes vote on Proposition A. They said it is essential to invest in emergency response services before a disaster strikes to reduce the downtime first responders may face.

“San Francisco has learned through painful experience that in the event of a major disaster, it is not the earthquake alone that destroys the city, but the fire that follows,” Lurie said during an event to raise awareness about Prop A on March 27. “Preparing now will save lives, protect homes and businesses and reduce long-term economic damage.”

The $535 million in bonds will be issued after the old bonds are retired, effectively leaving property tax rates the same. San Francisco firefighters participate in an event commemorating the 120th anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire. Left: A firefighter directs water from a high-pressure hose. Right: SFD firefighter Ryan O’Boyle helps direct traffic during a demonstration of tools used by the department, on April 14, 2026. (Andres Jimenez Larios/Bay City News)

A dedicated high-pressure water system, separate from regular supplies, will receive $130 million. About $100 million will be invested in fire facilities, $72 million in police buildings, and an additional $33 million to modernize other “public safety” entities.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency will receive more than $200 million to repair the Potrero Yard bus garage. The funds will help ensure the facility remains operational after a major earthquake and keep people moving, especially emergency services responders.

The SFD will mark the 120th anniversary of the 1906 earthquake and fire this Saturday with two events: the annual 4:30 a.m. gathering at the Lotta Fountain on Market Street and a subsequent ceremonial repainting of the gold fire hydrant in Mission Dolores Park.

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