Commercial Fire in Lakeside Brings a 2nd Alarm

Flinn Springs-

On Monday, February 10th, 2014 at 9:27 a.m. the Heartland Communications Center started receiving multiple 911 calls about a large fire in the 15200 block of Olde Highway 80, in the Flinn Springs area. Initially dispatched were four structural engines, a truck company, an ALS medic unit, and two chief officers. Responding engines companies could instantly see a large plume of black smoke rising in an area between Olde Highway 80 and the Interstate.

Lakeside Fire Captain Chuck Palmore assessing the fire scene prior to placing hose streams.

Fire crews from Lakeside and Alpine get water flowing on the fire with multiple handlines.

Fire crews coordinate their effort with a heavy equipment operator.

On the arrival of Engine 26 (Blossom Valley) they reported a large pile of dismantled vehicles spreading to other areas of the yard. As more engine companies arrived multiple hose lines were put into action to knock the heat out of the fire. With the assistance of a heavy equipment operator the pile was broken down and spread out over an area where crews could get to hot spots.

One of the major hazards was fire crews working in close proximity to the heavy equipment.

Truck 4 (Santee Fire Department) and Engine 8 (Heartland Fire & Rescue) set up an aerial master stream (600+ gallons of water) on the south side of the fire to limit spread in that direction. Fire managers were concerned that fire spread in that direction could create a hazard at a nearby propane distribution site. A second alarm was requested which sent another three structural engines, a truck company, and two additional chief officers to the fire. Because of concerns about potential contamination the hazardous material team from the San Diego Fire Department, and San Diego County Department of Environmental Health, responded to evaluate those concerns.

The Lakeside Logistics Volunteer Group responded and setup a rehab location for firefighters. The group also transported fire equipment between the scene and the stations.

At 10:51 a.m. it was determined that the fire had been brought under control. Many units were able to return to their coverage areas, while other engines remained on-scene well into the afternoon hours checking for hot spots.

A total of 15 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident, assisted by the Alpine Fire District, Heartland Fire & Rescue, Santee Fire Department, San Diego Fire Department, and the San Diego County Hazardous Materials unit. The Logistics Volunteer Group responded to the scene to establish a rehab location.

Story and Photos By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District
Additional Photos By: Firefighter-Paramedic David Csik, Lakeside Fire Protection District 

 

View 2014 Incident Map in a larger map

Lakeside Fire Receives an OES Engine Company

Lakeside Fire District-

The Lakeside Fire District has accepted delivery of an Office of Emergency Services engine company. OES Engine 305 is owned and operated by the State of California through their CalOES division. The California Office of Emergency Services has a long tradition of providing emergency services to the state dating back to World War II.

OES 305 at Station 26 in Blossom Valley

Emergency response and the creation of a statewide agency has deep roots in the 1941 "War Powers Act." This piece of legislation gave California's governor new powers to act to protect its citizens should they come under attack. The task of fulfilling this responsibility was assigned to the attorney general. To develop a plan, a meeting was held with fire chiefs from the ten "Civilian Defense Zones," and representatives from the three largest cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego). This committee would soon be known as the State Fire Advisory Committee. In 1951 this committee would develop the first regional plan to respond to fire related disasters.

OES 305 will proudly carry the community name "Lakeside" on deployments

In 1952 the State of California would make its first purchase of 58 engine companies. As part of the deployment plan, the decision was made to send these units in groups of five with a supervisor to incidents. This configuration of resources is still used to this day under the term "strike team.".

With the Korean Conflict came an expansion of this plan with the development of the "Office of Civil Defense." Within this organization was a branch dedicated to Fire and Rescue and Emergency Services.

As a result of the disastrous 1970 wildfires, the state's response to fires was completely revised under the new California Emergency Services Act. Under this new plan a "legal" basis was established for the governor's response to disasters within the state. This act gave birth to today's CalOES.

The OES pumper will be assigned to the Blossom Valley Fire Station where Lakeside personnel will maintain and staff the apparatus when needed. Its distinctive "yellow/green" paint scheme sets it apart from other fire apparatus in the District. So if you see this engine around town just remember it got its start in the uncertain times of 1941.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Driver Escapes Serious Injury on Interstate 8 Vehicle Accident

Flinn Springs-

The sole occupant of a eastbound SUV escaped serious injury when his vehicle left the freeway landing some 50 feet down a ravine. On Sunday, June 30th, 2013 at 8:23 AM, the Heartland Communications Center dispatched first-responders to a reported vehicle "over-the-side" on eastbound Interstate 8 just west of the Dunbar Lane off-ramp. Two structural engines, a rescue company, an ALS medic unit, and a duty chief were sent to the incident.

Firefighter-Paramedic Eric Stamm starts the assessment on the sole occupant of the vehicle.

While responding to the call Medic 3 came across a multi-patient incident on Los Coches Rd near the freeway. While they stopped to render aid an additional medic unit was sent to the Interstate 8 incident.

Passenger side damage like this typically results in severe, or fatal, injuries. Fortunately nobody was in the front passenger seat.

With the arrival of Rescue 3 (Lake Jennings Station), Engine 17 (Alpine Fire) and Division 4103 (Laff) crews contacted the sole occupant who had amazingly suffered relatively minor injuries. Upon accessing the vehicle fire crews were surprised to see the amount of damage that had occurred.  Realistically, had a passenger been in the front seat, their survival would have been questionable.

CHP is currently investigating the accident. A total of 7 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident. Lakeside was assisted by Alpine and Heartland Fire and Rescue.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District



View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Alert Neighbor Reports Lakeside Structure Fire

Blossom Valley-

On Monday, May 13, 2013, at 12:34 p.m., a neighbor spotted smoke and flames coming from a next door garage. He alerted the elderly resident then quickly called 911. At 12:35 the Heartland Communications Center dispatched a first alarm structure response consisting of four engines, one truck, one medic unit and two Division Chiefs to the 9000 block of Dunbar Lane.

Lakeside Firefighter Jon Jordan clears the exit to assist firefighters inside. Div-4702 Brad Rushing looks on as safety officer.

Within seven minutes Lakeside firefighters on E26 (Blossom Valley) arrived on scene to report heavy smoke coming from a detached garage and began efforts to attack the fire. E3 (Lake Jennings) arrived two minutes later laying fire hose from a nearby hydrant to supply the incident with water. Division Chief 4702 (Rushing-Alpine) and Division Chief 4103 (Laff- Lakeside) arrived to assume incident command. E1(Riverview) and M2 (River Park) joined the effort soon there after to assist with firefighting efforts. The blaze was knocked down quickly and fully extinguished within 15 minutes thanks to its early detection and rapid response and actions by Lakeside and Heartland firefighters.

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

Submitted By: Fire Captain Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire District

Structure Fire in Blossom Valley brings Multi-Agency Response

Blossom Valley-

On Tuesday, March 12th 2013 at 11:32 PM, the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a call about a fire in a detached garage in the 10000 blk of Silva Rd in the Blossom Valley area. The reporting party stated that an RV in the structure was possibly on fire. Four structural engines, a truck company, and ALS medic unit, and two duty chiefs were assigned to the call.

Crews attack the fire inside of the RV.

On the arrival of Engine 26 (Blossom Valley Station) they found a large detached garage with heavy smoke conditions on the interior. With the arrival of Engine 17 (Alpine Fire) crews accessed the interior and found smoke conditions down to the floor. Interior crews were able to open up the doors to decrease smoke conditions, they then discovered the fire was isolated to the interior of the vehicle. Fortunately the fire had not extended to the structure.

Lakeside Fire was assisted by Alpine and Viejas Fire. Cause is currently under investigation.

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map  

Photo By: Fire Engineer-Paramedic Rich Smith, Lakeside Fire District
Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Gas Leak Closes Busy Intersection

Flinn Springs-

On Wednesday, October 3, 2012, the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a call that a construction crew had struck a high pressure gas main near the intersection of Dunbar Lane and Olde Highway 80. Initially dispatched were four structural engines, a truck company, and two chief officers.

On the arrival of Engine 26 (Blossom Valley Station), firefighters discovered a high pressure leak emanating from a trench. SDG&E crews had arrived and requested that the fire companies provide protective hoselines for their crew members who were going to enter the area to seal off the leak. Unfortunately, fire crews were cutoff from their closest water sources due to the location of the leak. Two engine companies laid out over 1000 feet of 4 inch supply line from a distant hydrant on Chocolate Summit Drive.

Fire crews position protection lines as SDG&E personnel enter the hazard zone.

During the height of the incident all traffic had been stopped on Dunbar Lane, Olde Highway 80, and Chocolate Summit Drive. SDSO and CHP assisted with street closures.

SDG&E crews were able to seal the leak without further incident. Area roadways were quickly opened as the gas dissipated from the area.

A total of 14 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident, assisted by a crew from Heartland Fire and Rescue.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow,  Lakeside Fire Protection 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

Truck Driver Narrowly Escapes Serious Injury

On Friday, August 26, 2011, at 2:48 p.m., Lakeside firefighters responded to a report of a large truck accident on Driftwood Creek Rd. near Quail Canyon Rd. in Blossom Valley. Engine 26s (Blossom Valley fire station), Rescue 3 and Medic 3 (Lake Jennings fire station) arrived on scene to find a Waste Management refuse truck in its side fifty-feet down an embankment.

Fortunately the driver was able to jump free of the vehicle after losing control before it plummeted down the hillside. He sustained only minor injuries.

Firefighter Todd Welch stands by with a safety hose line.

After attending to the injured driver, Lakeside firefighters stood by with safety hoselines for the vehicle recovery operation. Two heavy-duty tow trucks from RoadOne towing were required to pull the massive wreck back up to the roadway through the dry vegetation.

This effort required consultation with the supervisor

As you can imagine, it was no simple task to recover the refuse truck. The effort took close to three hours with temperatures hovering just below 100 degrees.

Submitted by: Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire Captain
Pictures by: Robert Williams, Lakeside Fire Engineer

Suspicious Package Results In A Hazmat Response

On Wednesday, August 24, 2011, at 3:31pm, Lakeside firefighters from Blossom Valley station 26 were dispatched to investigate a report of a suspicious package containing unknown chemicals. Upon arrival at the Chocolate Summit Drive residence, the homeowner stated that an unexpected package was found at their front gate. The small cardboard box was marked with hazardous warning markings and lacked any shipping information to indicate its origin, intended destination, or exact contents.

Multi-Agency Hazmat Response

Sensing that something was not right, the homeowner left the package in place and called 911. After a cautious visualization by fire personnel, the package markings and incident situation was reported to the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health Hazardous Incident Response Team (DEH-HIRT) for consultation. The scene was secured and a safe perimeter was established.  Due to the circumstance and limited available information, it was decided that a full Hazmat response was indicated. This response included units from San Diego County and City Hazmat teams along with the San Diego Sheriff Bomb Squad.

Sheriff Bomb Squad with portable X-Ray equipment

A plan was developed with input from all agencies involved. Initially, Sheriff Bomb Squad personnel were sent in with portable x-ray equipment to determine if any evidence of an explosive device was present. The x-ray was then analyzed and no explosive device indicators were detected. San Diego City Hazmat-1 personnel were then sent in wearing level-B exposure suits to open the package and inspect its contents.

San Diego City Hazmat-1 personnel

Hazmat personnel discovered a two-part industrial adhesive inside which was properly packaged in accordance with hazardous materials transport regulations and deemed not to be a hazard. The box and contents, which included indications as to its origin, were removed from the scene by County Hazmat and an investigation into its intended destination will be conducted.

In this incident, the package turned out to be safe and harmless in its proper containers. However, the homeowner acted absolutely appropriately when faced with the unknown nature of the situation. Remember, if something doesn't seem right to you, treat it with caution and be on the safe side.

Submitted By: Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire Captain
Photos By: Robert Williams, Lakeside Fire Engineer

Paraglider Crash Brings Multi-Agency Response

Blossom Valley-

On Monday, June 13, 2011 at 5:56 p.m., the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a call from a downed paraglider pilot who stated he was below the Blossom Gliderport and believed he was severely injured. A full rescue response was dispatched that included two engine companies, a rescue company, ALS medic unit, and a battalion chief.

Lakeside paramedics initiated advanced life support upon arriving at scene.

As Battalion Chief Ron Laff accessed the area, he could see the collapsed canopy of the victim's glider significantly below the jump-off point at the glider port. A request was made for ASTREA from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department to respond and assist ground units in locating the victim. The crew from Rescue 3 and Medic 3 loaded their equipment into a four wheel drive unit and accessed the area.

The patient is hoisted to Copter 12.

A CalFire crew member, and Firefighter-Paramedic Chris Williams hang onto a "tagline" as the patient is hoisted to the helicopter. The "tagline" keeps the patient from spinning once he enters the rotor-wash from the suspended helicopter.

Once over the mountain, ASTREA was able to direct crews to the victim. On their arrival, the victim had complaints suggestive of spinal injuries and fractures. The patient was also exhibiting signs of shock. Paramedics on the scene initiated advanced life support, which included IV fluids to combat the shock.

The flight crew pulls the victim into the helicopter.

Due to the extremely steep terrain, the decision was made to hoist the patient to a helicopter then rendezvous with a Mercy Air helicopter for transport to a trauma center. Copter 12 was dispatched to the scene and made radio contact with ground units. Once overhead, the air crews had to carefully evaluate the safest method to hoist the patient.

Copter 12 lands at the landing zone to transfer the patient to Mercy Air 5

Mercy Air 5 lifts off for Sharp Memorial Trauma Center

A crew member was lowered to the scene and prepared the patient for the hoist operation. After the victim was safely in Copter 12, it departed the scene to land in a nearby field so the patient could be transferred to Mercy Air 5. The patient was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital for evaluation in the trauma center.

Agencies assisting the Lakeside Fire District include CalFire (air and ground), San Diego Sheriff Department, and Mercy Air. 




Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District.
Photos By: Firefighter-Paramedic Josh Raczka, Firefighter-Paramedic Chris Williams, and Firefighter Todd Welch, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Fire Crews Respond to Fatality Accident on Interstate 8

Dunbar Area: On May 6, 2011, at 12:03 a.m., the Lakeside Fire District received calls about a vehicle that had left the freeway on Interstate 8 just east of the Dunbar Rd under crossing. A full rescue response was dispatched that included two structural engines, one rescue company, an ALS medic unit, and a battalion chief.

Crews evaluate the operations needed in the recovery process.

On the arrival of Engine 17 (Alpine Fire), they discovered a vehicle that had left the freeway and was about 85 feet over the side. On the arrival of Battalion 1 (Laff), incident command was established and crews received their assignments.

As firefighters accessed the scene, it was discovered that the single occupant had suffered fatal injuries during the incident and extrication would be required in the recovery process.

A firefighter uses a hydraulic ram to remove the roof of the vehicle.

Crews stood-by until the CHP and the San Diego Medical Examiner could complete their investigations. Firefighters then performed extrication operations to recover the body. The crew of Rescue 3 was able to recover the body, and was subsequently turned over to the crew from the Medical Examiners Department.

The response to this incident included 9 personnel from the Lakeside Fire District assisted by four members from the Alpine Fire District.

The accident is currently under investigation by the CHP.

Submitted By: Battalion Chief Ron Laff

Paraglider Crash Brings Multi-Agency Response

Quail Canyon: On Saturday, November 27, 2010, at 2:05 p.m., the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a report of a paraglider that had experienced a rough landing at the Blossom Valley Glider Port, resulting in injuries to the pilot. A rescue response was dispatched including one structural engine, one rescue unit (with a 4x4 utility vehicle), an ALS ambulance, and battalion chief (Lawler).

Lakeside paramedics and CalFire flight crew members stabilize the injured patient.

 On arrival, crews were informed that the patient was at the top of the peak and had suffered spinal injuries due to rough landing. San Diego County Copter 10 had arrived in the area and was attempting to locate a landing zone while ground crews accessed the area.

Additional flight crew members arrive for the carryout to the copter.

 The crews from Rescue 3 (Lake Jennings Station) and Medic 3 accessed the area by vehicle and made patient contact.The CalFire flight crew had accessed the area and had initiated patient care. Due to the remote location, the decision was made to fly the patient via helicopter to the Rios Little League Field, where they would rendezvous with a ground transport unit.

Crew members load the injured pilot into San Diego Copter 10 for the flight to the Rios Little League Field

After the patient was stabilized, the crew hiked the patient to the helicopter where two Lakeside Paramedics boarded for the short flight to the ball field. From that location, that flight met with Engine 26s (Blossom Valley Station) and M3 (Lake Jennings Station) for ground transport to Sharp Trauma in San Diego.

Assisting Lakeside on this incident was SDSO, Cal Fire, and CHP. A total of nine Lakeside personnel responded to this incident.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Fire Responds to Major Collision on Interstate 8

Flinn Springs: On Monday, November 1, 2010, at 3:23 p.m., the Lakeside Fire District received reports of a "head-on collision" on Interstate 8 just west of Dunbar Lane. A full rescue response was dispatched which included two structural engine companies, a rescue company, an ALS medic unit, and a battalion chief.

On the arrival of Engine 26s (Blossom Valley Station), firefighters discovered two vehicles with severe damage from a high energy collision between a SUV and a van. Crews determined that there were two victims, one with moderate injuries, while the second patient could not be immediately accessed due to the damage.

A CHP officer inspects a vehicle involved in a fatality accident.

Rescue 3 (Lake Jennings Station) was assigned to start extrication operations on the van that had come to rest on its side. Due to the extended extrication time, an aeromedical helicopter ( Mercy Air) was requested to respond to the scene in anticipation of transporting this occupant. Crews were able to immediately access the patient in the SUV where she was treated for fractures and transported to Sharp Memorial Trauma Center.

Unfortunately upon reaching the other patient, it was determined that he had succumbed to his injuries. Mercy Air was subsequently canceled.

The accident closed most of the lanes of Interstate 8, which resulted in a significant traffic jam that reached back to the El Cajon Valley. CHP is currently investigating this accident.

Agencies assisting Lakeside included Alpine and Viejas Fire. In all 12 personnel from Lakeside Fire responded, assisted by 4 personnel from Alpine Fire and 2 from Viejas Fire

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District
Photos By: Captain Dalldorf, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Fire Fighters Respond to Propane Leak

Blossom Valley:  On October 25, 2010, at 10:48 a.m., Lakeside Firefighters were dispatched to the 10000 block of Blossom Valley Rd. for an odor of natural gas.  Engine 3 from the Lake Jennings fire station (fs3) was the first unit on scene and found a leaking propane tank near a house.  As units arrived,  hose lines were stretched and used to disperse the propane vapor cloud and occupants of the home were evacuated. Due to the size and location of the leak, firefighters were unable to stop it and had to stand by while the 500 gallon propane tank drained. Once the leak slowed down enough, personnel could see that the propane was coming from a faulty vent valve that had corroded on the bottom of the tank.  After the tank was empty, the homeowners were allowed to return to their home. During the two-hour incident, Blossom Valley Road was closed to traffic.

Lakeside units assigned to this incident included Engine 3, Engine 26s, Medic 1, and Battalion 1. Other assisting agencies were Alpine Fire, Cal Fire, SDGE, and a propane supply representative.

   

Dunbar Area Vehicle Accident

Dunbar Lane -   Firefighters from Lakeside's Blossom Valley fire station (fs26) responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision at the the intersection of Dunbar Lane and Chocolate Summit Drive on the afternoon of September 17, 2010. Finding no signs of a traffic collision at the dispatched location, E26s searched the immediate area and found the incident approximately 1/4 mile away on Alpine Boulevard just east of Dunbar Lane.  E26s encountered a two-vehicle traffic collision with one of the vehicles showing major damage. Luckily, there was only a driver in this vehicle, however, the driver appeared to be trapped and injured when units arrived on scene. 

The  incident was upgraded to a rescue assignment, adding E17 from Alpine Fire, a Rescue unit, a Chief officer, and an additional ambulance to the response. The patient was transported by El Cajon Medic 9 to an area hospital for treatment.

Major intrusion seen on passenger side of vehicle.

Story and Pictures submitted by: Captain Jerry Daoust, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Fire Crews Rescue Trapped Driver

Dunbar Lane Area - A high-speed head-on traffic collision required a full rescue response from Lakeside and Alpine Firefighters on October 2, 2010 at 8:27 p.m. The incident, in the area of Dunbar Lane and Alpine Boulevard, brought fire crews from Lakeside's Blossom Valley (fs26) and Lake Jennings (fs3) fire stations. Enroute the incident, Lakeside Battalion 1 (Tockstein) requested an additional engine company and the crew from Alpine's Tavern Road fire station (fs17) also responded.

Firefighters used hydraulic spreading and cutting tools to extricate the driver of a heavily damaged full-size pickup truck. Due to the prolonged extrication time involved, an aeromedical helicopter (Mercy Air 6) was requested to transport the patient to Sharp Memorial Hospital. Lakeside Firefighter/Paramedics provided treatment for the patient on scene.

Unfortunately, the driver of the other involved vehicle did not survive the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two dogs were also killed in the crash. The crew from Lakeside Rescue 3 was on scene for nearly three hours assisting the CHP and County Medical Examiner personnel with scene lighting.

Units attending this incident included R3, E26s, E17, M3, and B1.

Lakeside Firefighters prepare to remove extricated driver.

This vehicle sustained major damage!

Photos by: Captain Jerry Daoust, Lakeside Fire District
Story by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Filling the Boot for the MDA

Lakeside Firefighters were out in force Thursday morning raising funds and awareness for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).  The International Association of Firefighters has been partnered with the MDA for decades, raising over $275 million since 1954 though local fund raising such as this and various other methods.  The money raised helps the MDA fund worldwide research efforts to eradicate 40 neuromuscular diseases.  The contributions of the firefighters also go towards MDA's summer camps for children, professional and public health education and other programs. 

The Crews from St. 3 and St. 26

Every year the Lakeside Fire Protection District partners with our local branch of the MDA to go out and do our part to help the MDA achieve their goals.  Both on and off duty personnel take to the streets from 6:30 am to  9:00 am at two of our busiest intersection in the district.  This year we had all crews from all stations able to get out to help.  During the two and a half hour period we were able to raise over $4,000 for the MDA.  We realize this money comes directly from the pockets of the citizens we serve and we appreciate their compassion and commitment to this issue.  As with all of the charity events we help with, all of the money goes directly to the charity.  We are happy to make this donation to the MDA in the name of the citizens of Lakeside.  If you live in Lakeside (or happened to be driving through yesterday morning) we appreciate your help! Thanks to the caring citizens of Lakeside we are consistently able to make healthy donations to the charities we support.

To see all of the great work that the MDA does on a daily basis please go to their website at: www.mdausa.org .

The banner says it all

Firefighters Line the Street to "Fill the Boot"

Story Submitted by:  Firefighter / Paramedic Bernie Molloy
Photos By: Firefighter-Paramedic Eric Stamm

Lakeside Firefighters Rescue Injured ParaGlider Pilot

Blossom Valley - Lakeside Fire crews were dispatched to assist an injured paraglider pilot in the Blossom Valley area of the fire district on Sunday, July 18, 2010. The assigned resources included one unit from the Blossom Valley fire station (Engine 26s) and two units from the Lake Jennings fire station (Rescue 3 & Medic 3) under the command of Lakeside Battalion Chief Brent Larkin (B1).

Crews used a four-wheel drive pickup to make access to the injured pilot who was on the hillside overlooking the El Monte valley. Due to the nature of his injuries and the inaccessible location, Quail IC (B1) opted for a helicopter evacuation of the patient.

Firefighters assess and package injured pilot on the hillside.

County Copter 10 (CalFire and SDSO) was requested from Gillespie Field to assist with the medical evac. Lakeside firefighter/paramedics performed a full assessment and packaged the patient for his brief helicopter ride. The Copter 10 crew performed a hoist rescue and delivered the patient to Lakeside Medic 3 at the landing zone at Blossom Valley Elementary School. The patient was ground transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital for evaluation and treatment. Lakeside Fire Chief Andy Parr (4101) assisted at the landing zone.

Paramedic intern James MacMaster attends injured pilot while Engineer/Paramedic Rich Smith supervises (note paraglider in background).

This type of call is a reminder of how valuable the County Helicopter program is to local fire agencies. Many thanks to the crew of Copter 10 for their assistance.

Copter 10 approaching the scene

Story by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Photos and video by: Firefighter/Paramedic Bernie Molly

Vehicle Accident With Trapped Victim

Crews from R3, M3 and E26s work to free the trapped driver.

On May 17th at 1811 hours R3,M3, B1 ,3382, and E26s responded to a vehicle into a tree in the 9500 block of Blossom Valley Road. Upon arrival , we found a
single occupant/driver entrapped in the vehicle that was surrounded by
poison oak. The patient had severe injuries, and due an extended
extrication (37 minutes), Mercy Air 6 was requested (3382 landed MA6).

Mercy Air 6 and crew await patient extrication.

 The vehicle initially appeared as though it was nearly encapsulated in
poison oak, assuring that all eleven LKS personnel would need
decontamination .

At 1854 patient was extricated, and loaded into MA6 for transport to Sharp Memorial.

Extensive work was required to free the driver from the wreckage.

A comprehensive decontamination operation to remove poison oak "oils"
followed of all personnel , all turnouts and protective clothing , as
well as all extrication equipment used . All scene personnel were kept
"incident assigned" until decontamination was complete . This incident
is a great reminder of why we provide our personnel with a "back-up"
set of turnouts, as all incident worn turnouts required
decontamination followed by machine washing.

With decontamination, the incident lasted 3 hours.

Text and Photos Submitted By: Brent Larkin, Battalion Chief Lakedside FD