Rios Canyon Fuel Spill

Rios Canyon: On Wednesday, May 19th, 2010 at 6:59 PM, the Lakeside Fire District sent a single engine company to the area of Rios Canyon Rd and Pecan Park Ln to investigate a reported fuel leak in the area. On the arrival of Engine Company 3 (Lake Jennings Station) they discovered a significant diesel leak from a parked truck that had entered the flood control opening.

Diesel fuel stains the gutter on Rios Canyon Rd.

Crews initially diked the gutter and attempted to stop the flow of diesel fuel (to no avail). Crews slowed the flow of diesel and contacted the County of San Diego Hazardous Materials Department. A technician was dispatched to assist fire crews with mitigation efforts.

Crews became concerned when diesel was discovered inside of the underground flood control drainage. Battalion One (Battalion Chief Larkin) was requested to the scene to coordinate with the Hazardous Materials Department. 

Crews diked the opening to the flood control channel, but not before a limited amount entered the opening.

Lakeside Fire crews assisted with final clean-up and were committed to the incident for over two hours. Fuel was removed from the waterway, and the owner of the truck will arrange for final disposal of contaminated materials.

Just a reminder, in California the only thing that is allowed in gutters and flood control openings is rain water. 

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District