San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Annual Statistical Report FY 2004

3. The section Supervisor represented FPB by participating in the Department’sAccreditation Committee process. Our division was responsible for 16performance indicators relating to Bureau operations and new constructionstandards.4. The section conducted inspections of public assembly occupancies in theGaslamp District in anticipation of the opening of Petco Park, and participated inorientation tours of the new facility.5. The section supervisor was responsible for supervising a San Diego StateUniversity Public Administration intern to work on specific FPB projects. One ofthe projects was the reorganization of the Knox Box program.Technical Services1. The Technical Services section has been working closely with major fuelsuppliers on the conversion to a new fuel additive. The old additive, MethylTertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) is being phased out and replaced withEthanol/Methanol. These fuel suppliers: including Chevron, Texaco and Shell,are changing the oxygenating additive in gasoline to one that is moreenvironmentally friendly. Several bulk storage facilities (terminals), have appliedfor permits on numerous new, large above-ground tanks (most over 1 milliongallons), retrofitting of old above-ground tanks, and off-loading facilities forrailroad cars carrying this new additive.2. One of the off-loading facilities is the new Ethanol rail car unloading system forthe Chevron/Arco bulk terminal. Up to 60,000-gallon rail cars may be unloadedsimultaneously at this site. This was an innovative installation due to its location,including protective walls in lieu of distance, and state of the art fire protection forthe unloading rack and the Arco terminal’s secondary containment.Brush Management/Weed Abatement1. The section created a citywide Brush Fire Hazard Severity Classification mappingsystem, which identifies over 53,000 parcels requiring brush management.2. The section oversaw the proactive weed abatement program which consisted ofover 1,700 vacant parcels, and supervised 87 weed abatements done by the cityhiredno-cost contractor.Special Events1. Mardi Gra took place in the Gaslamp Quarter on February 24, 2004 with anestimated 38,000 attendees. The Special Events Section worked with the eventorganizers to establish a workable plan to accommodate the occupants in a safeenvironment. Overall, the entire event experienced very few problems, from a FirePrevention perspective.18