Fire Sprinkler Stops Kitchen Fire in Lakeside

Lakeside, Calif. - 

A stovetop grease fire extending into the kitchen cabinets was extinguished by a residential fire sprinkler in a Lakeside apartment home on Friday, April 3, 2015. The call to the fire department originated as a waterflow alarm from the sprinkler activation. Lakeside Engine 1 was on scene in under five minutes reporting an extinguished kitchen fire. Firefighters secured the water supply to the sprinkler and ensured no additional fire spread to the wall or cabinets.

The immediate action of the fire sprinkler stopped what would have been a destructive and dangerous fire in this occupied home. Contrary to popular portrayal, not all of the fire sprinklers in the home activate when there is a fire. Most commonly, as was the case with this fire, only one sprinkler head activates in response to the heat generated by the fire.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking is, by far, the most common cause of residential building fires in the U.S. with more than 165,000 fires occurring annually. Oil, fat and grease (51 percent) were the leading types of material ignited in non-confined cooking fires.

For more information on preventing kitchen fire and cooking safety, CLICK HERE.

Fire was extending to cabinets.

The fire was stopped with one sprinkler head.

Post and Photos by: Captain Eric Stamm, Lakeside Fire District

Morning Fire Destroys Mobile Home

 Lakeside, CA -

On the morning of January 10, 2015, Lakeside Firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire at Gray Buckner’s Mobile Lodge on Woodside Avenue. The response included 4 structural fire engines, 1 truck company, 1 ambulance staffed with firefighter/paramedics, and a chief officer.

Engine 1 was on scene in under four minutes.

Engine 1 (Riverview Station) arrived to find the mobile home fully involved. After establishing a lengthy supply line from the nearest fire hydrant, crews attacked the fire with hand lines and were able to bring it under control in about 20 minutes. Overhaul of the fire was put on hold while deputies from the SDSO Bomb/Arson unit conducted an investigation of the origin and cause.

Captain Wes Barnes performs an assessment as the attack line is stretched.

Lakeside units were assisted by the Santee Fire Department, the San Miguel Fire Protection District and members of our very own Logistics Volunteer Group. In addition, volunteers from the Red Cross responded to provide the displaced occupant with temporary housing and basic necessities. Fortunately, no one was injured.

FF-PM Chris Williams protects the "D-side" exposure.

FF-PM Chris Williams gets a quick knock-down.

Supply line was laid from a hydrant several hundred feet away.

Story by Chief Jim Kirkpatrick

Photos by Captain John Hisaw

Two Alarm Fire in Lakeside Brings a Multi-Agency Response

Lakeside, CA,

On Friday, January 2, 2015, at 10:52 a.m., the Lakeside Fire District received a report of a residential structure fire in the 9100 block of Single Oak Drive. The initial alarm sent four structural engines, one truck company, an ALS medic unit, and a chief officer to the fire.

Responding firefighters quickly knew they had a working fire as a black column of smoke could be seen in the area. With the arrival of Engine One (Riverview Station), they discovered a well established fire in an attached garage area with what appeared to be extension into the attic of the home. Firefighters entered the home to attack the fire and cut off the extension of the fire into the home.

While there was heavy damage to the garage area, crews were able to save the residential portion of the home.

Crews were met with heavy fire conditions as crews took action to get control of the fire. Some crew members were sent to the roof while others worked from the interior to cut off the fire's progress. A second alarm was requested by the incident commander (Lakeside Division Chief Tockstein) as all hands from the first alarm were committed.

With a sustained effort from firefighters from multiple agencies the mid-morning fire was brought under control.

Assisting Lakeside were crews from Santee, San Miguel Fire District, Barona, and Heartland Fire & Rescue.

Crews remained on scene late into the afternoon checking for hot spots.

Submitted By: Mark Grow, Social Media Contributor

HWY 67 Closed for Major Traffic Collision

Lakeside, CA -

On Friday May 30, 2014, at approximately 3:15 in the afternoon units were requested to respond to Hwy 67 northbound to reports of a head on collision just south of Winter Gardens Blvd.  Lakeside Engine 1 arrived on scene and found two vehicles with major damage, each of which had trapped victims inside.  Additional resources were immediately requested due to the large workload that would be required to extricate multiple patients from separate vehicles.

View 2014 Incident Map in a larger map

The incident, which was being directed by Lakeside Division Chief 4104, utilized engines from Lakeside, Santee, and El Cajon.  Two rescue units were also assigned, Santee R5 and Lakeside R3 from the Lake Jennings Fire Station.  The two patients were in critical condition meaning they would require separate transporting units so two ALS units were requested as well as Mercy Air 6.  

Crews work to extricate patients from separate vehicles

A large quantity of debris was strewn from the accident site

The accident scene was strewn with the contents of both vehicles, a sign of how much energy was involved in the collision.  Hwy 67 had to be completely closed due to the large volume of debris that resulting from the accident.  The closed freeway provided the ability for the fire and law enforcement crews to work safely while extricating the patients.  The road closure also allowed for a very close landing zone for Mercy Air 6.  It is rare to see a medical helicopter set down on a major interstate in San Diego County in the middle of rush hour traffic.  The helicopter, along with the seriousness of the accident, drew crowds of people to the side of the road to watch the incident.

One patient was extricated quickly and immediately transported by Santee Medic 4 to an area trauma center.  The other patient took longer to extricate so Mercy Air 6 was utilized to provide transport to the trauma center.  Once the patients were extricated and the incident was stabilized the California Highway Patrol took over the scene and began an accident investigation.

Mercy Air 6 set down on the closed portion of HWY 67

Photos / Video and Story by Captain Bernie Molloy

Lakeside Vehicle Rollover Results in Fatality

Lakeside, CA -

Firefighters responded to a report of a vehicle vs.structure in the 12400 block of Rockcrest Rd.on the evening of Sunday, March 23, 2014. Heartland Communications dispatched a full first-alarm structure assignment consisting of three engines, a truck, a rescue, a medic unit, and a duty chief. Lakeside Engine 1 (Riverview fire station) arrived in just under three minutes reporting a single vehicle rollover into the front yard of a residence with the vehicle resting on the driver's side. Despite the initial reports, the vehicle had not contacted the structure. The Engine 1 crew established initial stabilization of the vehicle and quickly determined the driver had suffered fatal injuries.

Firefighters from Engine 1 and Rescue 3 remained on scene for approximately 90 minutes to assist the county medical examiner personnel with the extrication of the driver. The CHP is investigating the cause of the accident.

The vehicle came to rest next to the house.

Firefighters waiting to go to work on extrication.

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photos by: Captain Wes Barnes, Lakeside Fire District

Motor Home Fire on Rockcrest Road

 Winter Gardens-

On Thursday, March 6th, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a 911 call reference a motor home on fire near a dwelling in the 12100 block of Rockcrest Rd. Initially dispatched to the incident were two structural engines and a duty chief.

On the arrival of Engine 1 (Riverview Station) they located a fully engulfed motor home near a residential structure. Crews pulled attack lines and worked on preventing extension of the fire into the home. With the arrival of Engine 2 (River Park Station) crews were able to bring the fire under control. 

Crews remained on-scene for another hour assisting in the salvage of property damaged by the fire. Fortunately the motor home was unoccupied and no injuries were reported.

A total of 7 Lakeside personnel responded to the fire. Cause of the fire is under investigation.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Eric Stamm, Lakeside Fire Protection District

View 2014 Incident Map in a larger map

Lakeside Firefighters Rescue Child From Tree

Lakeside, CA -

On Friday, August 30, 2013, firefighters from the Lakeside Fire District were called to the 9200 block of Sombria Road in Lakeside for a child who had climbed to the top of a 30' tree and became stuck and unable to climb down. On the arrival of Engine 1 (Riverview fire station), Captain Blane Darby took control of the scene and requested the Telesqurt aerial apparatus from Station 2 (River Park station). Firefighters had determined that ground ladders would not have been able to effectively reach the stranded child due to the height and branches obstructing a clear path.  

Engine 202s utilizing its aerial ladder

When Engine 202S arrived under the command of Acting Captain Chris Downing, apparatus Engineer Carl Chiodo spotted in the cul-de-sac and set up for an aerial rescue.  Firefighter/Paramedic Josh Raczka climbed the aerial ladder and then gave further instructions to Engineer Chiodo to expertly guide the tip of the ladder as close as possible to the child.  Firefighter/Paramedic Raczka then tied-off the child with webbing to prevent him from falling while he was carefully moved to the ladder.  After securing the child, Firefighter/Paramedic Raczka was able to pluck the child, who was growing increasingly fatigued from his harrowing adventure, from the branches. He then assisted the child down the ladder to the arms of his anxiously waiting parents. The child was not injured in the ordeal and swore off climbing trees for the rest of the summer.

Photo and Story by Firefighter/Paramedic Josh Raczka

Sheriff Helicopter Locates Structure Fire in Lakeside

Lemon Crest Area-

Lakeside Fire crews were alerted to a fully involved structure fire by a San Diego County Sheriff helicopter on routine patrol in the area. The ASTREA helicopter noticed a large glow emanating from the Lakeside area. Upon investigating they came across a larger structure in the 12300 block of Lemon Crest Dr that was fully involved. The Heartland Communications Center dispatched four structural engines, one truck company, an ALS medic unit, and two staff officers to the 1:03 AM fire.

Flames leap from the last intact cornier of the home.

Firefighter-Paramedics from Medic 2 put a large caliber hose stream on the fire.

Crews from Lake Jennings, to the Santee area, could now see the fire as they left their stations. The fire was burning through a large residential structure of all wood construction. This home sits high atop a knoll above the Lemon Crest Elementary School, and has been a visible fixture in the community of Lakeside for some time.

A firefighter sits on another large hose stream at the rear of the building.

Crews attack the fire with the "high volume" deck gun on Engine 1. It would take many additional line to bring the fire under control. 

Upon the arrival of Engine 1 (Riverview Station) they came across a locked gate and difficult access to the building. With the arrival of Engine 2 (River Park Station) and Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Station) a hose lay was made, with some pumper being used to boost the pressure. Command of the fire was assumed by Division Chief Ron Laff upon his arrival.

A firefighter starts the process of overhauling the fire.

Crews were quickly aided by firefighters from Santee with the arrival of Engine 4 and Truck 4 (Santee-Cottonwood Station). Multiple lines were deployed including a "deck gun" capable of delivering 1000 gallons of water per minute. Even with this huge delivery of water on the fire it was resistive to being "knocked-down." Crews continued to deploy lines

Eventually the fire was brought under control after an extensive "fire attack." But crews were now faced with extensive overhaul around a very unstable structure. Crews continued to look for hotspots buried deep under the mounds of roofing materials. The decision was made to have heavy equipment respond at daylight and knock down the remaining unstable walls.

A back-hoe operator digs out hot spots while firefighters continue to overhaul.

With sunrise a thick layer of smoke hung over the Lakeside area from the all night fire. Overhaul operations continued till 4:00 PM the following day.

San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.com 

Currently the San Diego Sheriff Bomb-Arson team is investigating the fire. Lakeside was assisted by the Santee Fire Department and Heartland Fire & Rescue. A total 12 Lakeside personnel responded to the fire, assisted by 7 personnel from the Santee Fire Deaprtment.

The Logistical Volunteer Group provided incident support throughout the night, and following day. This group of dedicated volunteers opened a rehab area, and transported equipment needed at the fire scene.

Dispatched Units: LKS-E1, LKS-E2, LKS-E3, SNT-E4, SNT-T4, LKS-M2, HRT-B3, LKS-4103, LKS-4101, LKS-E26, LKS-4140

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District
Photos By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Fire Captain Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire District, and Fire Engineer Robert Williams

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Police Pursuit Ends on Cresthill Place

Pepper Drive Area -

A police pursuit that originated in the City of El Cajon came to an abrupt end when the suspect's vehicle struck an occupied residence on Cresthill Place. On Thursday, June 13th, 2013, at 11:53 AM the Heartland Communications Center received a request by law enforcement to have fire crews respond and evaluate a single patient from the vehicle, and the stability of the structure that had received damage. 

El Cajon Police search the suspects vehicle.

 Initially a full first alarm assignment was sent to the call which included three structural engines, a truck company, a rescue company, an ALS medic unit, and two duty chief officers. On the arrival of Medic 2 (River Park Station) it was quickly determined that the occupant was uninjured. Engine 2 inspected the structure for damage and instability. After it was determined that the structure was safe the additional companies were cancelled.


View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

This incident is being investigated by El Cajon Police Department.

Lakeside Fire District received assistance from Heartland Fire & Rescue, and the Santee Fire Department.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District
Photo By: Todd Welch, Lakeside Fire District

Multiple Agencies Respond to a Second Series of Fires on Highway 67

 Lakeside/Santee-

On Sunday, May 26th, 2013 at 6:01 PM, the Heartland Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting three separate vegetation fires on State Highway 67 from Winter Gardens Blvd to Woodside Ave. A "medium wildland" response was dispatched which included three structural engines, two brush engines, a water tender, an ALS medic unit, and a duty chief (Tockstein).

Once it was determined that there was multiple fires a request was made for two additional brush engines and a chief officer (Parr).


One fire was located on the southbound side of Highway 67 near Winter Gardens Blvd. Crews took action to keep the fire from entering the San Diego river bottom as this property is adjacent to the Lakeside River Park Conservancy. Another fire was discovered on Highway 67 near the entrance to the Santee Drive-In.

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Another smaller fire was contained quickly between these two fires.

Lakeside Fire was assisted by Santee Fire, Heartland Fire-Rescue, and Barona Fire. A total of 10 Lakeside personnel responded to this series of fires.

All three fires are under investigation.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District

Multiple Agencies Battle Hwy 67 Grass Fires in Lakeside

Lakeside/Santee, CA - 

A series of roadside grass fires spanning well over a one-mile stretch of Highway 67 in Lakeside and Santee brought firefighters from five east county agencies on May 25, 2013. Initial reports to 911 identified six fires between the Highway 52 and Hwy 67 interchange north to Winter Gardens Blvd. Firefighters from multiple agencies approached the area from both the north and south and were able to quickly get a knockdown on these fires.

A coordinated response of chief officers from Lakeside, Santee, and Barona fire departments enabled the large area to be geographically branched-off and firefighting resources to be quickly and effectively directed toward suppression efforts. This incident demonstrates the excellent inter-agency cooperation that we enjoy in the east county.

Fire resources attending this incident included: Brush 1, Engine 2, Brush 26, Medic 2, Division 4105, Division 4106 (Lakeside); Engine 4, Brush 4, Rescue 5, Division 4203 (Santee); Engine 6, Engine 9 (Heartland Fire-Rescue); Engine 19 (San Miguel); Chief 4801, Division 4803 (Barona).

The cause of these fires is under investigation.

Lakeside Engine 2 crew attack fire on Hwy 67. (photo: Jeff Holz)

Lakeside Fire Captain John Hisaw with an angry reptile. (photo: C. Blanton)

Firefighter-paramedic Steve Russo and Captain John Hisaw cutting "hot" line. (photo: Jeff Holz)

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photos by: Jeff Holz and C. Blanton

Lakeside Firefighters Battle Stubborn Garage Fire

Winter Gardens, CA -

A fire in a detached residential garage required the attendance of several fire companies and chief officers on Wednesday, January 2, 2013, in the Winter Gardens area of Lakeside. Heartland Fire Communications received numerous calls just after 9:00 a.m. for a large column of smoke in the 9400 block of Riverview Avenue. Lakeside Division 4103 (Laff) was first on scene reporting heavy smoke visible from the garage with possible extension into the residence. Engine 1 (Riverview station) arrived on scene within four minutes and firefighters stretched attack lines down the driveway. While not visible from the street, the garage was not actually attached to the residence. Firefighters made entry through a side door and quickly knocked down a large amount of fire. Due to the quick response and aggressive fire attack, the fire was stopped before extending into the adjacent residence. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Units attending this incident included: E1, E2, E3, M2, Div. 4103, Div. 4105, Support 4140 (Lakeside); E4, T4 (Santee); E19 (San Miguel). S.D. Sheriff's deputies also assisted. As always, Lakeside would like to thank our automatic aid partners for their timely assistance on this incident.

Heavy smoke visible from garage.

Firefighter-paramedic Jose Corona moves a barbecue from the front of the garage.

Captain Scott Culkin directs the placement of the attack line.

Firefighters start ventilation after knockdown of the fire.

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photos by: Firefighter-paramedic Steve Russo

Lakeside Firefighters Respond To A Mobile Home Fire

Riverview-

At 5:17 p.m. on Saturday, November 24, 2012, the Heartland Communications Center received an urgent 911 call reporting a mobile home on fire at Gray Buckner's Mobile Home Lodge located at 12030 Woodside Ave. A first alarm structure response was dispatched within one minute.

Flames spread quickly throughout the rear of the mobile home.

The first fire unit was on scene less than four minutes later. Lakeside Engine 1 (Riverview fire station) arrived to report a working fire with flames and heavy smoke coming from the rear of a single wide mobile home. As additional units arrived minutes later, an aggressive attack was made on the fire. Lakeside Battalion 4106 (Kirkpatrick) took over Incident Command(IC) from Engine 1.

Interior fire attack was initiated through the front door.

 Knock down of the flames was reported by the interior fire crews at 5:39 p.m. The blaze was confined to one mobile home with no damaged to neighboring homes. Fire units assisting in the firefight included Engine 1, Engine 2, Medic 2, Engine 3, Division 4106, Support 4140 and 4141 (Lakeside); Engine 4, Truck 4, and Rescue 5 (Santee).

Overhaul plans being discussed by the IC.

Incident support was provided by the Lakeside Logistics Volunteer Group(LVG). A total of 25 fire personnel were utilized on the incident. The Red Cross provided assistance for two adults who were displaced by the fire which was determined to be caused by faulty wiring.

Photos by: Steve Russo and Robert Williams, Lakeside Fire District

Post by: Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire District

Sidewalk CPR Day in Lakeside

“Sidewalk CPR” training was given today at two locations in Lakeside. The training, in recognition of National CPR Awareness Week, is an effort by the county, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, San Diego Project Heart Beat and other agencies throughout the county.

"Hands-Only" instruction being given by Firefighter/Paramedic Jon Jordan at Albertsons

The goal today was to train “2,012 in 2012” county wide in the “Hands-Only” method.  This method involves only chest compressions and does not include the mouth-to-mouth breathing that was part of all CPR training until several years ago. The American Heart Association and others endorse the compression-only method for the public to use to revive victims of sudden cardiac arrest.

Firefighter/Paramedic Eric Stamm gives instruction at Vons

Engine 26s crew from the Blossom Valley Station staffed a booth at the Vons store on Camino Canada. Engine 1 crew from the Riverview Station staffed a booth at the Albertsons store on Winter Gardens Blvd. Together  they were able to train 59 citizens in the new lifesaving skill.

Pictured left to right; FF Todd Welch, LVG Conrad Cox, LVG Dick Bailey, FF/Paramedic Jon Jordan, Captain Chuck Palmore and Marcy Metz RN

Chief of San Diego County Emergency Medical Services, Marcy Metz RN, stopped by the Albertsons location to personally thank the CPR instructors. By the end of the day, county wide totals were calculated.  Ruth Duke, Quality Assurance Specialist at San Diego County Emergency Medical Services, reported; “As you know our goal was to train 2,012 in 2012, well we surpassed that goal by a thousand!  Our total number is 3,022.” 

Lakeside Fire Board Member Susan Conniry receives training at the Albertsons site

Thanks to the citizens, Lakeside firefighters and support from the Logistics Volunteer Group the local event was a great success.

To learn more about Hands-Only and other CPR information, visit The American Heart Association website.

Submitted by: Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire Captain
Photos by: Dick Bailey, Lakeside LVG and Dennis Canfield, Lakeside LVG

Early Morning Fire Damages Garage

Lakeside, CA-

At 4:34 a.m., on the morning of May 4, 2012,  Lakeside firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire with multiple reports of smoke and fire in a multifamily residential complex on Summersun Lane . Responding from the Riverview fire station (fs1) just one block away, Engine 1 firefighters arrived just minutes later to face heavy fire coming from a garage unit with flames threatening the living space above it. San Diego Sheriff Deputies were on scene evacuating residents. Engine 1 initiated fire attack and was soon supported by personnel from Engine 2 and Medic 2 from the Riverpark fire station (fs2). San Miguel Engine 19 from their Bostonia fire station arrived next and was assigned to protect and check for fire extension in the adjoining living areas. Santee Engine 4 and Truck 4 from Cottonwood fire station 4 were right behind and they were put to work supporting the operation.

Lakeside Division Chief 4103 (Laff) took over Incident Command(IC) from Engine 1. El Cajon Battalion 3 (Snow) arrived to assume the role of Safety Officer. The fire was brought under control by the quick action of all fire personnel on scene. All fire units were on scene in less than ten minutes from the time of the initial dispatch. Fire damage was confined to the garage with minor smoke and water damage to the adjoining garage. Fire did not extend to any of the attached living areas.

The garage was a total loss.

Support Unit 4140 was requested by the IC to provide logistical support to the incident. Unit 4140, staffed by members of the newly established Lakeside Logistics Volunteer Group (LVG) arrived with cold water, coffee, and food for the firefighters, scene personnel, and the temporarily displaced residents.

Lakeside LVGs assist with incident support.

Members of the Sheriff Bomb/Arson unit were on scene to determine the origin. The cause of the fire is under investigation. SDG&E also responded personnel to secure the damaged gas and electric utilities. This incident is another example of the excellent cooperative efforts of multiple agencies to provide public safety to the citizens of Lakeside. Thank you to all who assisted.

Submitted by: Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire Captain
Photos by: Dennis Canfield, Lakeside LVG Member

LMS Opens A New Performing Arts Center

Today marked the long awaited opening of the Lakeside Middle School Performing Arts Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Members of the Lakeside Fire Department were invited to attend the event including Fire Chief Andy Parr, Fire Board Director Susan Conniry, and Engine Company 1.

Lakeside Union School District Board of Trustees President Keith Hildreth cuts the ribbon with Trustees Kevin Howe(retired Lakeside FD), Twila Godley and Gelia Cook assisting.

The school has been undergoing some major improvements that were officially declared open today. The focus of the project, which was started in 2008, is a state-of-the-art performing arts theater. Also included in the upgrades are a new office, new library, lunch area, and parking lots.

LMS Band and Show Choir performed to a full house during the ceremony.

Riverview Fire Station 1 has shared the Lakeside Middle School property and has enjoyed the daily sounds of laughter and happiness from its students for decades.

Lakeside Fire Board Director Susan Conniry with Captain Chuck Palmore and Firefighter Todd Welch.

The students and faculty were very excited and proud to unveil the new look and facilities to parents and the public. With the addition of the brand new performing arts center, Lakeside Middle School can boast to having one of the finest performing arts programs in San Diego County.

Multi-Jursdictional Response Keeps Fire Outside of Lakeside Area Home

Royal Road Area-


Firefighters from Lakeside, El Cajon, San Miguel and Santee teamed-up to quickly knock down a fire outside a home in the 12000 block of Royal Road in the unincorporated area of El Cajon, an area which is served by the Lakeside Fire Protection District.

Lakeside Engine 1 on-scene at the Royal Rd incident

Crews knocked down the fire and roped off the area for fire investigators who will attempt to establish a cause for the early evening blaze.

View Incident Map 2012 in a larger map  

The cause of the fire is still under investigation at the time of this post.


Submitted By: Division Chief Jim Kirkpatrick, Lakeside Fire District

Vehicle Crashes onto El Capitan Ball Field

Lakeside-

On Friday, September 2nd, 2011 at 3:07 a.m., the Lakeside Fire District received a call that a vehicle had left Ashwood Street and was now resting on the El Capitan High School baseball field. One structural engine, a rescue company, ALS medic unit, and battalion chief (Tockstein) were dispatched to the incident.

On the arrival of Battalion 1, he discovered a vehicle sitting in the middle of right field with an occupant still in the car. Engine 2 accessed the area and made contact with a sole occupant who had  minor complaints of pain. The occupant was evaluated by the paramedics assigned to Medic 3 and transported to Grossmont Hospital for further evaluation.

Fire personnel from Engine 2 and Medic 3 evaluate the only occupant in the vehicle.

Ironically, the car breached the fence at the same location of a previous incident, thus there was little new damage to the facility.  

CHP is currently investigating the accident. A total of 9 Lakeside Fire personnel responded to the early morning incident.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District

Vehicle Fire on Lemoncrest

Lakeside:  On August 26, 2011, Lakeside firefighters were dispatched to the report of a vehicle fire on Lemoncrest Dr.  Engine 1 (Riverview fire station) arrived and found a pickup truck on fire on the dirt hill just above Lemoncrest Elementary School.  

A hoseline is stretched and SCBA is donned.

Fire attack is initiated.

The vehicle was on its way to becoming fully involved with smoke and flames coming from the engine compartment.  An attack line was stretched and fire extinguished.  As can be seen in the photos, firefighters don the same protective clothing as is used for structure fires.  

The fire is knocked-down and the area is cooled off.

Car fires, while not  in an enclosed environment, produce a great deal of harmful gases that can be inhaled if breathing apparatus (SCBA) is not worn.  

The engine compartment is accessed and overhauled.

The vehicle's driver stated that he was backing out of the driveway when one of his tires went off the road and the truck slid down the hill where it became stuck and eventually caught fire.  The prompt action of the Engine 1 crew kept the fire from spreading to the surrounding vegetation which could have done a great deal of damage in this residential area.  


Photos and Story Submitted by: Captain Wes Barnes, Lakeside Fire District.