"During torch-cutting activity, debris inside the tubes ignited. The team responded by continuously spraying water to control and quickly extinguish the fire. There was no major damage. The spokesperson added that the fountain's welded steel tubes are being cut by torches and, "as expected, this process produces sparks"."
"The city spent the last year arguing that the fountain was riddled with asbestos and needed to be removed for safety. Now it's being removed without an air-quality permit, in open air without tenting, and a fire has broken out."
"During a site visit on Wednesday (6 May), it did not appear that workers were wearing masks, respirators, hazmat suits or any kind of protective clothing to mitigate exposure to lead or asbestos. In addition, there were no signs warning passersby-including those playing padel at the courts next to the fountain or eating lunch in the plaza-of potential exposure to hazardous materials."
"When asked about this, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department says that the asbestos is "encapsulated" and that workers "are not disturbing it". However, the agency could not explain what "encapsulated" meant in this context, whether the city had sought guidance on whether permits were needed or applied for, nor whether it had considered the need to warn the public of potential exposure."
Construction crews began dismantling the 1971 Brutalist Vaillancourt Fountain after an appeals court denied a request to halt removal. During torch-cutting of welded steel tubes, debris inside the tubes ignited, and workers sprayed water continuously to control and extinguish the fire with no major damage. The city previously cited asbestos concerns and safety needs, but critics said removal proceeded without an air-quality permit, without tenting, and in open air. A site visit found no visible masks, respirators, hazmat suits, or protective clothing, and there were no warnings to the public near the fountain. Officials said asbestos was encapsulated and workers were not disturbing it, but they did not clarify the meaning, permit guidance, or public notification steps.
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