Peskin’s apology comes a bit late. ‘Firefighters are furious’

San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin in June 2016. San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin in June 2016. Photo: Amy Osborne, Special To The Chronicle Photo: Amy Osborne, Special To The Chronicle Image 1 of / 18 Caption Close Peskin’s apology comes a bit late. ‘Firefighters are furious’ 1 / 18 Back to Gallery

San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin’s apology for his high-profile slamming of the Fire Department’s handling of a North Beach fire on St. Patrick’s Day evening followed a day of blowback from even his allies.

Mayor Mark Farrell, whom the Board of Supervisors appointed with Peskin’s help — said Monday that the supervisor’s call for Chief Joanne Hayes-White to resign as firefighters were still battling the blaze was “one of the most inappropriate things you can do.”

Peskin’s on-the-scene criticism drew a sharp response from his longtime supporters in the firefighters union as well.

“Firefighters are furious,” said Local 798 President Tom O’Connor. “They charged right into a burning building to save lives.”

Peskin had been dining in nearby Chinatown when word came of the fire. After arriving at the scene, he told reporters that he was shocked that no one was pouring water on the fire. The chief explained that firefighters were battling the blaze from the inside first and looking for victims.

Peskin called the department’s response “an abject failure.” Asked if he thought the chief should resign, he said, “Absolutely. It starts at the top.”

On Tuesday, however, his office issued a statement from Peskin saying it had been inappropriate to raise his concerns at the scene and that he apologized to Hayes-White.

Peskin might want to also apologize to the chief for the call she finally took from him as she was driving to the fire. From what we hear, it was a blast of fury — of the four-letter kind.

San Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross appear Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call (415) 777-8815, or email matierandross@ sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @matierandross