In 1906 , Funston was in command of the Presidio of San Francisco when the 1906 San Francisco earthquake hit . He declared martial law in response , although he did not have the authority to do so , and martial law was never officially declared . Funston attempted to defend the city from the spread of fire , and directed the demolition of buildings using explosives , including black powder , artillery charges , and dynamite , to create firebreaks . However Funston 's orders often resulted in more fires . Funston gave orders to shoot all looters on sight ; however , these orders resulted in numerous cases of innocent shootings
1906 San Francisco earthquake
1906 San Francisco earthquake
Frederick Funston