Lakeside Units Assist Alpine on Vehicle Rescue

Peutz Valley-

On Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at 5:25 p.m. the Heartland Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reference a vehicle that while traveling on westbound Interstate 8 had left the freeway near Peutz Valley. A full vehicle rescue assignment was dispatched which sent two structural engines, a rescue company, an ALS medic unit, and a duty chief to the incident.

Lakeside Fire crews stabilize the vehicle and then begin the task of extrication.

Crew members get close enough to the victim so initial medical care and be administered.

While en-route to the incident, responding units were updated that an off-duty tow truck driver was at the vehicle and it was accessible from the 400 block of Peutz Valley Rd. He also informed the dispatch center that there were multiple victims and some had suffered serious injuries. Based on the updated information, additional resources were assigned to the incident.

On the arrival of Engine 17 (Alpine Fire), firefighters located a vehicle that had left the freeway and had rolled down a 100-foot embankment. Prior to the arrival of fire units, bystanders had removed a two year old child and were rendering assistance to the toddler. But crews quickly discovered a front passenger that was trapped and a driver that was unresponsive.

With the victim out paramedics quickly start the task of administering advanced life support.

With the arrival of Rescue 3 (Lake Jennings Station) and Engine 26 (Blossom Valley Station), firefighters went to work on the trapped occupants. Due to the vehicle position and the major damage it had sustained, it was determined that this would be an extended operation with a number of complex situations that firefighters would need to address. 

Crews removed the passenger who was then was quickly loaded into Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Station) and driven to a nearby landing zone to meet with Mercy Air 6. The victim was flown to a local trauma center.

Unfortunately, crews quickly discovered the driver had succumbed to her injuries. Crews continued with the task of body recovery.

A total of 9 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident. CHP is currently investigating the incident.

Submitted By: Firefighter-Paramedic Steve Russo, Lakeside Fire District.   

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Lakeside Assists Alpine on a Two Alarm Structure Fire

Alpine, CA -

On Friday, February 7, 2014, at 10:59 p.m., the Heartland Communications Center received a call from a resident stating that a fire had started in their Alpine home. A first alarm structure response was sent to the home in the 3100 block of Via Viejas, on the eastern edge of Alpine. The initial alarm sent four structural engines, a truck company, one ALS medic unit, and two chief officers.

Heavy fire conditions were encountered by arriving companies.

On the arrival of Engine 17 (Alpine Fire District) firefighters reported a home with heavy smoke and fire conditions from the roof of the structure. With the arrival of additional companies, an interior attack was initiated while crews went to the roof to open up additional ventilation holes. Firefighters operating on the roof encountered heavy fire and smoke conditions.

The crew from Lakeside Engine 3, and Viejas Medic 25, work the roof.

As the running attic fire extended, a call for a second alarm was made which brought an additional five engines, two additional chief officers, and a rescue with light and air capabilities.

Crews continued to work on both the interior and roof in an attempt to cut off the fire. Finally at 12:56 a.m., the call was made that the fire was under control. Left in its wake was an extensive job of salvage and overhaul. Most units were committed into the predawn hours.

Crews on the roof continue to work to get a knockdown on the fire.

Assisting Alpine Fire were crews from Lakeside Fire District, Viejas Fire Department, Heartland Fire & Rescue, CalFire, San Miguel Fire District, Barona Fire Department, and the Santee Fire Department.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Story and Photos By: Firefighter-Paramedic Bing Tom, Lakeside Fire District

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Alpine Structure Fire Brings Multi-Agency Response

Alpine-

On the morning of December 24th, 2013 at 8:15 a.m., a commuter on the interstate noticed a large amount of smoke in the area of western Alpine. A call was made to 911 and an Alpine engine company was dispatched to find the source of the smoke. As crews accessed the area it was obvious this was a working structure fire in the 400 blk of Arnold Way. A request was made to upgrade the call which brought a response from Lakeside, Viejas, San Miguel, CalFire, and the USFS.

Alpine crews prepare to make entry into the structure.

A total five engine companies, one truck company, one ALS medic unit, and three chief officers were dispatched to the incident..

As Alpine crews pulled hose lines they were met with a well advancing interior fire that had already spread to the attic space. Lakeside crews went to the roof and performed ventilation, while other crews pulled additional line to back-up the Alpine crew.

Firefighter Brent Watte, and Fire Engineer Nate Fox cut back roofing material looking for hidden fire.

Crews conducted an immediate search and fortunately found no occupants in the structure. It was later learned that the occupant was not at home and was contacted at another location.

Fire Engineer Shaun McKenna coordinates with ground crews to make sure no material from the roof is dropped on interior crews.

Crews continued the task of salvage and overhaul well into the late morning hours. These fires are fine examples of the automatic aid agreements that bring the closest resources to the scene.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

 

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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

Lakeside Assists Cal Fire in Alpine

Alpine-

On Saturday, September 14th, 2013 at 3:49 pm, the Lakeside Fire District was dispatched to the 1100 blk of Alpine Blvd to assist Cal Fire with a vegetation fire. Other Central Zone agencies assigned to the fire were Alpine Fire District, Viejas Fire Department, and Heartland Fire & Rescue. Cal Fire had initiated a high wildland response with multiple engines, and air resources, assigned to the fire.

Lakeside Firefighter Bing Tom pulls a line on the western flank of the fire.

Reports indicated a fire burning between Alpine Blvd and the eastbound lanes of Interstate 8. Additional callers indicated that the fire may have spread to the center divider.

Crew from Brush 17 push a hose lay towards the freeway.

Firefighting efforts resulted in a short closure of Interstate 8.

With the arrival of Brush 17 (Alpine Fire) they located a quarter acre fire burning from Alpine Blvd to the interstate above. With the arrival of two engines from Lakeside (Engine 26 and Engine 3) they were assigned to the interstate side of the fire and started hose lays on the flanks of the fire. Brush 25 (Viejas Fire) and Cal Fire units arrived shortly and the fire was quickly contained.

Cal Fire is investigating the fire. A total of two brush engines, three structural engines, and two duty chiefs responded from the Central Zone.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

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Lakeside Fire Assists Alpine on Vehicle Rescue

Alpine-

On Thursday, August 16th, 2012 at 11:19 AM, the Lakeside Fire District sent Engine 26 to assist Alpine Fire with a reported vehicle accident in the area of Interstate 8 at the East Victoria under-crossing. The initial response included units from Alpine, Viejas, Lakeside, and the San Diego County Fire Authority.

CHP starts their investigation after rescue efforts had been completed.

On the arrival of the Alpine duty chief (Rushing) they discovered a pick-up truck that had left the freeway at a high rate of speed, impacting a large tree in the easement area. Due to the amount of damage the occupants could not be accessed for assessment of their injuries. A request was made to upgrade the call to include a response from Rescue 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station).

With the arrival of Lakeside and Viejas firefighters efforts started to extricate the victims. It then became apparent that the occupants had both succumbed to their injuries. With the arrival of Rescue 3 efforts continued to remove the occupants.

The California Highway Patrol is currently investigating the accident. A total of 6 Lakeside personnel responded to this incident. Agencies on-scene included Alpine, Viejas, Lakeside, and San Diego County Fire Authority.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Brush Fire Burns along Interstate 8

Glenview-

On Thursday, July 12, 2012, at 5:02 p.m., the Lakeside Fire District received multiple calls about a fire on the westbound side of Interstate 8 just east of the Los Coches Rd off-ramp. Callers reported that the fire was burning towards structures on Calle de Buena Fe. Initially dispatched were two brush type engines, two structural engines, an incident commander (Tockstein), and an ALS medic unit. Once the reports of "structures threatened" was received, an additional two structural engines were dispatched, two additional brush engines, and an additional staff officer.

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Arriving units found a fire burning on the north side of the interstate on the easement. About a half-acre of grass and medium brush had been consumed. Engines were sent to the interstate to attack the fire, while additional engines were sent to Calle de Buena Fe to perform structural protection.

Crews were able to stop the forward progress of the fire. There were no reports of structural damage. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Lakeside received assistance from CalFire, Alpine Fire, Santee Fire, Viejas Fire, and the San Miguel Fire District.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.com

Lakeside Firefighters Assist Alpine on Vehicle Over-The-Side

Alpine, CA -

Lakeside and Alpine firefighters teamed-up to assist the victims of a roll-over vehicle accident on Interstate 8 on Saturday, January 21, 2012. The vehicle skidded off the rain-slickened freeway and rolled-over ending up approximately 100 feet down the embankment. Firefighters from Lakeside's Blossom Valley fire station (fs26) were first on scene reporting four patients still inside the vehicle. An additional engine company, rescue company, and chief officer arrived to assist. Eventually, two paramedic ambulances also were called to the scene. A rope rescue system was put in place to assist in hauling all four of the patients up the hillside. All the patients were transported to area hospitals with what appeared to be minor injuries. Units assisting included E26s, R3, 4103 (Lakeside); E17, B7 (Alpine); M17, M492 (AMR). CHP is investigating the accident.

Firefighter-paramedics assess and package injured victims

A rope system helps bring the victims up the embankment.

Story and Photos by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Honor Fallen Nurse

Alpine CA-

On December 23, 2011, Debra Meltzer fell victim in a tragic domestic violence incident that unfolded in a quiet Alpine subdivision. What was not widely publicized is that Debra was an emergency room nurse, at Sharp Memorial Hospital,  who had dedicated her life to helping others. In this role, Debra interacted with Lakeside paramedics on a regular basis. The loss of this dedicated professional was felt throughout the east county as personnel from many local agencies knew Debra.

Lakeside Engine 26s at the memorial service.

Recently at her memorial, the crew of E26s (Blossom Valley) was asked to fly a flag provided by The World Memorial Organization, at her memorial services. Lakeside Fire Engineer John Eastlick and Lakeside Engineer Scott Smith secured the flag to the aerial boom on the apparatus so that it could fly over this very solemn event.

A memorial fund has been established for Debra’s children. Donations can be sent to:

Cabrillo Credit Union
C/O Debra Meltzer Memorial Account
PO Box 261169
San Diego, CA 92196-1169

Story and Photo Provided By: Fire Captain Rick Dalldorf, Lakeside Fire District

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

Multiple Fires Along I-8 Brings Multi-Agency Response

Alpine, CA -

Multiple small brush fires along Interstate Highway 8 brought a multi-agency response on Tuesday, August 30, 2011. Four separate fires were reported between Dunbar Lane and Tavern Road just after 2:30 p.m. Alpine Battalion 7 (Rushing) requested a high-wildland resource dispatch and along with Alpine 4701 (Paskle), coordinated the placement of incoming fire units to handle the four simultaneous fires. Additional chief officers from Lakeside, CalFire, and U.S. Forest Service responded to assist Tavern Incident Command with the direction of the numerous fire units assigned to the fires.

While the fires were relatively small in size, the smoke blowing across both east and westbound lanes created a real hazard for drivers on I-8.  Heartland Fire Communications dispatched Central Zone firefighters from Lakeside (B1, Br2, Br26, E3), Viejas (E25, Br225), Alpine (E17), San Miguel (E19), and El Cajon (E8). Additional resources responded from CalFire, U.S. Forest Service, BLM, and San Diego County Fire Authority. Two water-dropping helicopters were also assigned to the fires.

The rapid response and quick coordination of the assigned resources kept these fires from becoming a potentially much larger blaze.

Lakeside Engine 3 operates on I-8.

Lakeside Firefighter Shawn McKenna cutting line with a chainsaw.

Lakeside Engineer-Paramedic Chris Downing mops-up one of the fires.

Photos and story by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Units Assist with Trench Rescue

ALPINE: At 11:11 a.m. on May 23, 2011, firefighters from Alpine, Lakeside, and CalFire responded to report of man injured in a construction trench.

The man was struck by an explosive device used to break rock and rendered unconscious for a period of time. The victim was stabilized in the trench and then carried out using a stokes stretcher and a low-angle safety line. The injured man was then ground transported by AMR paramedics to a landing zone where he was then flown by a Mercy Air helicopter to a local area trauma center.

FD, EMS, Padre Dam and construction personnel all worked seamlessly to effect a quick and safe rescue and transport of the 30 y/o man. Responding units included; ACP E17, Batt. 7, CalFire 3382, LKS R3, LKS E26, AMR M17, MercyAir-6

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Story and pictures by Capt. Rick Dalldorf

Multi-Agency Confined Space Rescue Drill

Multiple agencies cooperating in the simulation

 A multi company, multi agency drill was held today in Alpine to prepare for possible confined space rescue operations involving construction crews working on the SDG&E Sunrise Powerlink. The event was hosted by SDG&E and the Alpine Fire Protection District. The two year construction project is well under way and will involve the underground routing of high voltage power lines along Alpine Blvd. The underground section of the Powerlink will span 6.2 miles from Alpine’s eastern boundary to its western border. The drill simulated the rescue of a worker injured in a fall located at the bottom of an electrical junction vault fifteen feet below the road surface. A rescue operation of this type is complicated by many possible hazards including; energized electrical equipment, tight access and egress, potentially dangerous air quality, hampered communication, working below grade and road traffic to name just a few. 

A specially trained Santee firefighter prepares to enter the underground vault.

To safely mitigate these hazards required the involvement of  two battalion chiefs, seven engine companies, one rescue unit, one confined space rescue trailer, one ambulance, technical assistance from SDG&E and PAR Electrical Contractors and traffic control personnel. A total of forty people were kept busy in various roles to complete the successful rescue of just one injured worker. Personnel and equipment were utilized from the cooperating fire agencies of Alpine, Lakeside, Santee, Viejas, Sycuan and San Diego Rural. Technical information and assistance was provided by experts from SDG&E and PAR Electrical Contractors which proved to be invaluable for the safety of the rescue crews. 

The injured worker (mannequin) hoisted from the vault

The simulated injury to the worker took place in an underground electrical vault measuring approximately 10’ wide by 12’ tall by 30’ long which will be used as one of many junction points for the 230 kV power lines that will run in conduit under Alpine Blvd. A total of forty junction vaults will eventually be set in place to complete the underground section running through Alpine. Today’s drill will be repeated two more times this month to give additional crews the opportunity to be exposed to this specialized rescue scenario that has the potential to play out in reality over the course of this project.  Important lessons learned today include the importance of cooperation between on scene construction experts and responding agencies as well as the continuing cooperation and training between the multiple fire agencies that will likely be called to this potential emergency.

Submitted by: Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire Captain

Lakeside, Alpine and Viejas Fire Departments Train in Trench Rescues

Viejas: Woven throughout virtually every community are a series of underground utilities that at some point required a trench to place the equipment. Trenching operations for the most part are safe and typically don’t have disastrous outcomes, but for those operations that skirt current OSHA regulations, or trenching equipment is used improperly, the outcome can result in severe injuries or death.

Padre Dam Municipal Water District sent their vacuum truck capable of removing 12 yards of dirt per load. These trucks are considered important tools in trench rescue.

Till the late 1980’s fire agencies had little formal training on trench collapse, in many cases the rescuers would become additional victims. Statistically 25% of all victims are “would-be-rescuers.” This number includes co-workers and first responders that entered the trench and soon became trapped.

Santee Fire Captain David Leask demonstrates a set of Speed Shores.

So problematic were the issues that soon OSHA would mandate that “trench rescue teams” had to have mandated training, and that their rescue operations would meet the same industry standards that everyone was subjected to.

Lakeside Engineer Steve Schleif lowers a set of speed shores into a trench opening.

Soon the fire service responded by established formal training programs, and outfitting specialized teams that carried the unique equipment required at these operations. At some point in every firefighters career they receive this training.

A firefighter works on the lower strut inside of the trench. Room is a premium once inside of the trench.

Recently this complex training was made available to agencies on the eastern edge of the Central Zone (old Heartland Zone), through funding from San Diego Gas and Electric. Firefighters from Lakeside, Alpine, and Viejas were invited to participate in the two day training.

Viejas provided the site where a series of complex trenches could be dug to hold the training, and the Santee Fire Department supplied the instructors and technical expertise for the training. Currently the Santee Fire Department has an active confined space/trench rescue program jointly funded with the Padre Dam Municipal Water District.

Firefighters work to create a safe area where rescue operation can begin.

The two day class involved orientation to current OSHA standards that affect rescue operations, orientation to commercially available shoring devices, and improvised shoring operations. The last day crews spend the entire day in the trenches tackling complex shoring operations and  simulated emergency situations.

Two firefighters work a the bottom of a trench to remove a simulated victim.

The Lakeside Fire District would like to thank the following participants:


San Diego Gas and Electric - Provided funding for the entire training and related costs.
Viejas: For providing the training site and the hospitality.
Santee Fire Department: For providing the instructors and technical expertise.
Padre Dam Municipal Water District: For sending specialized equipment to the drill site.




Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District