My understanding was that some of the military was more of a problem than others during 1906 earthquake. It seems that one of the few people actually killed during the initial quake was SF's experienced Chief of Police. A recent book I read held that the General in charge of the Presidio took control and wanted to blow up buildings to create firebreaks. So he kept ordering the soldiers to blow up the buildings - with black powder instead of dynamite. This in turn created more fires than if the buildings were left alone. The author concluded that the naval forces who had a fireboat were responsible for saving the city.