SSF Celebrates the Christening of New Fire Boat “Industrial"
Published on April 07, 2025
The City of South San Francisco officially welcomed Fire Boat Industrial into service with a celebratory christening ceremony held at Oyster Point Marina on Friday, April 4. The event celebrated a significant upgrade to regional maritime response, as Fire Boat Industrial now provides vital coverage between Pier 35 in San Francisco and the Port of Redwood City, reducing the South San Francisco Fire Department’s response time to marine fires by 90%.
Mayor Eddie Flores presided over the ceremony, offering remarks and a symbolic blessing with a lemon branch — a traditional gesture wishing protection, purification, and good fortune. Councilmember Flor Nicolas followed with the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle, officially naming and commissioning the vessel.
City officials, partner agencies, and community members gathered to witness the unveiling of the state-of-the-art fire boat, which will serve as a critical asset in marine firefighting, search and rescue operations, and disaster response across the South Bay waters.
“This is a proud day for our department and our city,” said Fire Chief Matt Samson of the South San Francisco Fire Department. “Fire Boat Industrial represents years of effort and collaboration, and will dramatically improve our response times and effectiveness on the water.”
Outfitted with powerful motors and specialized rescue and firefighting equipment — made possible through the Federal Port Security Grant Program and in partnership with U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco — the vessel is capable of operating in shallow waters and transporting personnel, patients, and cargo during large-scale emergencies.
South San Francisco’s waters, spanning 22 square miles, present complex and often dangerous conditions. With an expected average of 40 missions per year, the fire boat is poised to play a key role in supporting the busiest search and rescue sector in the nation.
The ceremony concluded with remarks from Battalion Chief Travis Fox of the Southern Marin Fire Department and Co-Chair of the Bay Area Maritime Search and Rescue Council, highlighting the strength of regional cooperation.
“We are fortunate to have strong maritime leadership here in the Bay Area with our Federal partners the USCG,” shared Chief Samson. “We are stronger as a region under this group and our capabilities are expanded through the strengths of our relationships. We see the strength of these partnerships today with the numerous fire boats and USCG assets assembled to help us welcome in our new boat.”
As marine recreation continues to grow, Fire Boat Industrial stands ready to protect those who venture into South Bay waters - She serves as a powerful reminder of the city’s unwavering commitment to public safety and regional preparedness.
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About the City of South San Francisco
The City of South San Francisco proudly remains The Industrial City, a reflection of its steel mill and ship building past, redefined to reflect the innovative, entrepreneurial, and industrious spirit which has made South San Francisco the Biotech Capital of the World, with 217 active biotech companies and growing. A vibrant community of 66,185 residents, South San Francisco enjoys a high quality of life with an extensive public parks system, active library and learning programming and a dynamic, engaged community making South San Francisco a great place to live, learn, work, and play.