Place I worked always rated hydraulic failure, irrespective of the number of systems, as a Full Emergency because, as you said, it could cause big problems.

Hydraulic Issues
 

What is your opinion if all you know is a "hydraulic problem?" They are unable to tell you if it's a leak or a complete failure?

Though the bright lights were pretty :):O

When the chips are down, I'd rather have to explain why we had ten fire engines for a non-event than only three for a major disaster.

<<When the chips are down, I'd rather have to explain why we had ten fire engines for a non-event than only three for a major disaster.>>

Ho Yus. Any right-thinking bean-counter wouldn't even be asking you to 'explain'.....

- Hmm - a non-sequitur, no?

Clear2Land - did SFO keep operating on the other runways or did it close due 'fire cover'?

Edited for rubbish Latin..........

SFO closed because emergency vehicles were all over the place crossing runways etc. They eventually opened up the north/south runways later that night, then eventually 28R and a week later 28L -- I was actually working tower then they opened it.. Southwest was changed to runway 28L to accommodate an UAE departure off 28R .. Wow..surprised I remembered all that. LOL.

Landed 28L two days ago. Amazing clean up job. Until you look over to the Superbay area where the carcass sits.