Lakeside Fire Assists Alpine with Unique Vehicle Recovery

Alpine, CA-

On Monday, November 18, 2013, at 8:43 a.m. the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a request to respond Rescue 3 to a vehicle accident on Interstate 8 westbound, just west of Tavern Rd. Firefighters had responded to an incident where a Range Rover had collided with a semi truck and was wedged under the trailer portion of the truck. Fortunately, crews had been able to remove the victims and transported them to area trauma hospitals.

Lakeside Firefighter-Paramedic Steve Russo sets a crib stack under the trailer portion of the truck. Crib stacks are used to keep loads from falling back to their original position.

Crews use a combination of airbags and hydraulic tools to lift the truck.

A problem emerged when tow operators attempted to remove the vehicle from the scene only to discover it was firmly lodged under the truck. A request was made for Rescue 3 to respond from the Lake Jennings Fire Station and assist firefighters still on-scene.

On the arrival of the rescue company, crews coordinated with Alpine and Viejas firefighters to develop a plan to lift the truck from the vehicle. The decision was made to use a system of pneumatic lifting bags, hydraulic rams, and cribbing stacks to lift the truck. Crews worked for about an hour before the truck could be safely lifted.

Lakeside Rescue 3 is a specialized resource available to Central Zone (and other) fire agencies for help with technical rescue calls.

Vehicle after removal.

Photos and Story By: Fire Captain Wes Barnes, Lakeside Fire Protection District