Automatic Aid Response Holds Harbison Canyon Fire to 5 Acres

Harbison Canyon Area-

On Monday, September 19, 2011 at 12:27 p.m., Lakeside firefighters were dispatched to the T.H. Bar Ranch Trail (Harbison Canyon Area) as part of a multi-agency response to a vegetation fire. The initial dispatch included units from Lakeside Fire, CalFire, Alpine Fire, San Miguel Fire, El Cajon Fire,  San Diego County Fire Authority, and Sycuan Fire.

CalFire and Lakeside Firefighters start the hose lay on Division Alpha. This hose lay would prevent the fire from extending down the canyon.

On the arrival of Battalion 7 (Paskle-Alpine Fire, he reported a quarter-acre fire threatening structures and moving up slope. First arriving units were placed on the threatened structures while CalFire and Lakeside units started an extended hose lay in the steep terrain.

Firefighters navigate the hose lay through a maze of boulders.

Steep terrain hampered firefighters ability to advance the hose line.

With the arrival of the aircraft, drops were made to cut off the fire's advance toward the structures in the area. The CalFire S-2 airtankers made precision drops in the deep canyon while County Copters 10 and 12 worked the flanks keeping the fire in check while ground crews slowly advanced through the thick ground cover.

One of the County Copters making a water drop.

Fixed wing aircraft making drops over the fire.

With persistent effort, the crews were eventually able to surround the fire and stop its forward progress. Unfortunately a firefighter suffered an injury when a large rock rolled off the steep hillside striking him as he worked.

A total of 7 Lakeside Fire personnel responded to the incident. Crews were released around 4:20 p.m. The cause of the fire is under investigation by CalFire.

Dispatched Lakeside Fire units: BR26 E3

Photos and Story By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District