Rollover Traffic Collision Sends Driver To Trauma Center in Helicopter

Lakeside: 

On Saturday February 7, 2015 Lakeside Firefighters were called to Lake Jennings Park Rd. and Interstate 8 for reports of a rollover traffic collision.  Lakeside Rescue 3 was first on scene and found that a pickup truck had rolled over and the driver had been ejected from the vehicle.  Rescue 3 crews quickly began treating the critically injured patient and determined that it would be in the best interest of the patient to be flown via Mercy Air to a trauma center.

Mercy Air Taking off of the Trauma Center with the Patient on Board

Alpine Engine 17 went to ensure there was a safe landing zone for Mercy Air 6 and Lakeside Engine 26 assisted Rescue 3 on scene with patient care.  When Santee Medic 5 arrived at the scene the patient was quickly loaded and transported to the landing zone to rendezvous with Mercy Air 6.

Crews Work on the Critically Injured Patient

Engine 17 found an appropriate landing zone in the parking lot at Lake Jennings Park.  Without specific helipads in the district it is necessary that we use large open safe places to land rescue helicopters.  There are many suitable areas, but if a single car is parked in the wrong place it can completely exclude a pre-designated landing zone.  Fortunately, on this particular Saturday, there was plenty of room at the closest possible landing zone.

Mercy Air on the Ground

The patient was transferred to the helicopter and flown to a local trauma center.  California Highway Patrol was on scene and is investigating the cause of the accident.

Story and Photos by Acting Division Chief Bernie Molloy

Lakeside Rescue Vehicle Accident

Lakeside, CA -

Late on the evening of December 20, 2014, Lakeside firefighters were dispatched to a vehicle accident with entrapment on Lake Jennings Park Rd near Jack Oak Rd.  Rescue 3 from the nearby Lake Jennings Fire Station was the first unit on scene reporting a full-size pickup on its side with one person trapped. Additional fire units arrived and personnel assisted with vehicle stabilization and patient extrication. The Rescue 3 crew performed a roof flap evolution utilizing hydraulic cutting and spreading tools. Once extricated, Santee Medic 4 transported the patient to a local hospital. The CHP is investigating the accident.

Units at scene were Rescue 3, Engine 2, and Division Chief 4106 (Lakeside) and Medic 4 (Santee). Also assisting were San Diego Sheriff and CHP.

Pictures submitted by: Captain John Hisaw
Story By: Engineer Matt Buzzell

Stabilization struts and roof flap were utilized.

Plumbing Repairs Starts Structure Fire in Johnstown

Lakeside, CA -

On December 11, 2014, at 2:40 p.m., the Heartland Communications Center received an emergency phone call from a resident in the 8500 block of Cordial Rd. The caller stated that a wall was on fire in the home after some plumbing repairs had been undertaken. The initial response sent four structural engines, one truck company, an ALS medic unit, and two chief officers to the afternoon fire.

With the arrival of Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station), firefighters discovered a home quickly filling with smoke. They determined that the fire had moved up the wall and was now burning in the attic. Crews started the tedious job of quickly removing dry wall to get to the underlying fire. Crews also accessed the attic area to cutoff the progression of the fire.

The fire was brought under control in 17 minutes and did extensive damage to two rooms. Fortunately, the occupants had vacated the structure without injury.

A total of 10 Lakeside firefighters responded to the incident assisted by units from Heartland Fire & Rescue, Alpine Fire Protection District, and the Santee Fire Department. The Lakeside Logistics Volunteer Group responded to the incident and provided essential support to the crews.

Mark Grow, Social Media Coordinator, Lakeside Fire Protection District

Fire Sprinklers Stop Residential Fire in Lakeside

Lakeside, CA - 

An accidental fire in an occupied residence was controlled by a residential fire sprinkler in Lakeside on Monday, October 20, 2014. The fire, which started in pump equipment below a large aquarium, was held in check when one nearby sprinkler head, sensing the heat from the flames, began discharging water. Lakeside Engine 3 (Lake Jennings fire station) arrived and reported light smoke from the residence. Firefighters stretched a hoseline and extinguished the remaining hotspots.

This incident is an excellent example of the value of residential fire sprinklers. This fire was quickly stopped in its incipient phase and was not allowed to grow uncontrollably and threaten the lives of the residents of this home. As the banner on our district web site states: "Residential Fire Sprinklers Save Lives."

Facts About Home Fire Sprinklers

• Home fire sprinklers can control and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive on the scene.
• Only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate, spraying water directly on the fire. In 84% of home fires where the sprinklers operate, just one sprinkler operates.
• If you have a fire in your home, the risk of dying is cut by about one-third when smoke alarms are present (or about half if the smoke alarms are working), while automatic fire sprinkler systems cut the risk of dying by about 80%.
• In a home with sprinklers, the average property loss per fire is cut by about 70%
  (compared to fires where sprinklers are not present.) 

 

The fire was spreading rapidly up the wall.

This (one) fire sprinkler head kept this fire from spreading.

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

Fully-Involved Motorhome Brings Full Response in Lakeside

Lakeside, CA -

A motorhome on fire next to an occupied residence required a full structure fire resource response in the Glenview area of the Lakeside Fire District on Sunday, October 12, 2014. Initially dispatched as a large vehicle fire (two engines and a duty chief), Heartland Fire Communications dispatchers quickly upgraded the incident to a structure fire resource assignment (four engines, one truck, one medic, two chiefs) as additional calls and information were received.

Lakeside Engine 3 (Lake Jennings fire station) was on scene in just over six minutes reporting heavy smoke showing from the rear of a single-family residence. Engine 3 Captain Wes Barnes assumed Incident Command (IC) and ordered multiple hoselines to be stretched to protect the adjacent homes and attack the fully-involved motorhome in the backyard. The rapid response coupled with the aggressive actions of the first-in companies confined the fire to motorhome and kept the fire from extending to nearby homes.

Lakeside Fire would like to acknowledge our automatic-aid partners for their timely assistance in fighting this dangerous fire. Assisting agencies attending this incident included: E4, T4 (Santee); E8 (Heartland Fire-Rescue); Chief 4801 (Barona). Lakeside unit response included : E3, E1, OES305, M2, Div.4105, Div.4104, Chief 4101. San Diego Sheriff's deputies also assisted.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Firefighter-Paramedic Josh Raczka mops-up the motorhome.

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District.

Quick Response in Lakeside Stops Attic Fire

Lakeside, CA - 

Lakeside firefighters responded to a residential fire in the Glenview area of the fire district on Saturday, September 20, 2014. Reported by numerous calls to 911, the fire originated on the exterior of an occupied residence and quickly spread to the attic space.

An occupant of the residence had extinguished the exterior fire before fire department arrival. Engine 1 (Riverview fire station) arrived on scene first with indicators of a running attic fire. Firefighters quickly established a water supply and stretched a hoseline to the interior of the home. Inspection holes opened in the ceiling revealed an advanced fire running the attic. An aggressive interior fire attack coupled with a well-placed rooftop ventilation hole quickly stopped the spreading fire.

Units attending this incident included E1, E2, E26, E3, M2, Div 4104 (Lakeside); T4 (Santee). S.D. County Sheriff deputies also provided assistance. Due to the commitment of Lakeside resources, E10 (Heartland Fire-rescue) was moved to cover Lakeside fire station 2.

Major damage on exterior of home.

Firefighter-paramedics Shane Daunis and Gavin Doudna overhaul the attic.

Post and photos by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Late night structure fire on Olde Hwy 80

Just after midnight on July 30, 2014, crews from the Lakeside, El Cajon, and Santee Fire Departments where dispatched to a reported structure fire on Olde Hwy 80 near Pecan Park.  Heavy smoke could be seen from the top of Lake Jennings Park Road.  Engine 3 from the Lake Jennings fire station was the first engine on scene and reported heavy smoke and fire coming from a detached garage.  The fire was quickly knocked down by first arriving units and there was no spread into the vegetation.  Crews were committed a short time to overhaul the building and check for fire extension through the walls.  The cause of the fire is being looked into.

Units that responded to this where Lakeside engine 2, engine 3, engine 26, Medic 3, chief 4104, and chief 4101.  We also had assistance from El Cajon engine 8 and Santee truck 4. 

Jet Ski Fire Sends One to Burn Center

Johnstown-

On Wednesday, May 28, 2014, at 2:41 p.m. the Heartland Communications Center received a 911 call about a jet ski on fire in the garage of a residence in the 9300 block of Ashley View Pl. A full structural response was initiated that sent three engine companies, one truck company, an ALS medic unit, and a staff officer to the incident.

On the arrival of Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station), firefighters observed smoke showing from the attached garage of a residential structure. After securing a water supply from a nearby hydrant, crews advanced an attack line into the garage. It was quickly discovered that the fire was isolated to a jet ski. The fire was quickly controlled with a preconnected handline off of E3.

Fire damage to the jet ski was extensive.

Fire crews then discovered that an occupant had suffered flash burns to his upper body. After assessing the injuries the juvenile was transported to the UCSD Burn Center for further evaluation and treatment. The injuries are considered non-life threatening.

Firefighters overhauled the fire and checked for extension into the structure. No structural damage was discovered.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Wes Barnes, Lakeside Fire Protection District

View 2014 Incident Map in a larger map

Sterling Fire Threatens area Structures

Glenview-

On Wednesday, May 14, 2014, at 4:59 p.m. the Heartland Communications Center received a report of a vegetation fire in the area of the 12900 block of Highway 8 Business in the Glenview area. Given the severe weather conditions, a high wildland response was dispatched which sends multiple resources to the fire.

Fire jumps Highway 8 Business and starts it's uphill run towards homes. (Photo By: Ken Kremensky, Barona FD)

On the arrival of Lakeside Division Chief Chuck Tockstein, he found a fire on the south side of the highway making a run towards the north. Within minutes the fire had jumped Highway 8 Business and was making an uphill run towards multiple homes in the Sterling Drive and Jackson Hill Drive areas. An immediate request was placed for a strike team of engines to respond to those areas and take up structural defense positions.

Fire approaches homes off Sterling Drive. (Photo By: Ken Kremensky, Barona FD)

An engine from Heartland Fire & Rescue takes up a position on a structure on Sterling Drive. (Photo By: Todd Welch, Lakeside FD)

Firefighters took up positions to start hose lays to cut off further extension of the fire. But in the midst of the fire attack there was a wind change which now sent the fire towards homes in the 13000 block of Highway 8 Business. Another strike team was requested and took up structural defense positions in a nearby mobile home park.

Lakeside Brush 201 arrives at the Sterling Fire. (Photo By: Nathan Price)

Lakeside crews putting in a hose lay on the eastern flank. (Photo By: Todd Welch, Lakeside FD)

Due to multiple campaign fires in the San Diego County area there was no air assets or hand crews available to assist.

Crews continued to advance hose lays around the fire and at 6:57 p.m. the Incident Commander declared that the forward progress of the fire had been stopped. Although the active burning had stopped, firefighters now faced the task of an extensive overhaul. A number of crews spent the night on the line overhauling hot spots and patrolling the fire area.

A firefighter in the "green" as the fire front approaches. (Photo By: Todd Welch, Lakeside FD)

Overhaul extended well throughout the daylight hours the next day. Crews continued to overhaul hot spots and remove trees that had created a hazard. The Lakeside Logistic Volunteers provided fire support throughout the incident.

This burn pattern is know by firefighters as "Moonscaping." It's when everything in the fire's path is consumed. This is normally seen in August, not May.

During this incident Lakeside Fire received assistance from:

• Barona Fire
• Alpine Fire
• Heartland Fire & Rescue
• Santee Fire
• Sycuan Fire
• Bonita Fire
• Viejas Fire
• USFS
• Lakeside LVG's
• San Diego Sheriff Department
• California Highway Patrol

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District.
Photos Provided By: Fire Chief Ken Kremensky, Barona Fire Department and Todd Welch, Lakeside Fire Protection District, Nathan Price
Video By: Bill Prorok

View 2014 Incident Map in a larger map

Lakeside Fire Crews Kept Busy with Multiple Vegetation Fires

Lakeside, CA -

Lakeside fire crews had an unusually busy day on Wednesday, May 7, 2014, when a rash of vegetation fires occurred in the Glenview area of Lakeside.

At 4:46 p.m., firefighters responded to a vegetation fire in the creek bed in the area of Los Coches Rd and Via Diego. The fire burned out a swath of heavy fuel on the west side of Los Coches Rd and skirted behind the homes located on Calle Lucia. Crews were able to quickly control the flames with no damage to nearby structures.

At 8:26 p.m., crews received a call for another vegetation fire on the east side of Los Coches Rd near Via Diego. Firefighters worked their way into the area to discover a new fire area with a nearby spot fire. Fire managers requested additional assistance which brought units from CalFire, Alpine Fire, and Sycuan Fire. Fortunately, crews were able to quickly control the fire without local damage.

Then, at 6:21 a.m., on Thursday morning, crews received a report of another fire in the creek area off of the 13700 block of Highway 8 Business. Due to the damp morning conditions the fire was held to a small spot and was quickly controlled.

An early morning fire smolders in the moist air. Under different conditions this fire could have been much worse.

All the fires are currently under investigation and while no connection has been established between the three fires, local residents are always asked to be vigilant in reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District.
Photo By: Fire Captain Eric Stamm, Lakeside Fire District

Vegetation Fire in the Los Coches Creek

Lakeside, CA -

On Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at 4:47 p.m., the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a 911 report of a vegetation fire in the Los Coches Creek area near Los Coches Road and Via Diego. A wildland response to was sent to the incident which included one brush engine, two structural engines, an ALS medic unit, a water tender, and a chief officer.



While units were still responding to the fire, additional calls were received stating that there was a fire burning in the heavy fuels in the creek bottom. As Engine 2 turned onto Los Coches Road, they could see the smoke rising in the area.

With the arrival of Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Station) they reported a 100'x 100' area on fire. A hose line was extended into the area and the fire was quickly knocked down. Due to the nature of the heavy fuels, firefighters faced an extensive overhaul operation as many hotspots remained. Crews remained on-scene for over an hour to make sure that no ignition sources remained.

A total of 13 Lakeside Fire personnel responded to the fire. The cause is currently under investigation. No structures were threatened by this fire.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District
Video By: Bill Prorok

View 2014 Incident Map in a larger map

Early Morning Fire brings Immediate Structure Threat

El Monte Valley-

On Thursday, May 1, 2014, at 6:51 a.m. the Heartland Communications Center received multiple calls about an explosion and brush fire in the area of El Monte Road and Lake Jennings Park Rd. At the time of the call, the Lakeside area was experiencing the third day of significant Santa Ana wind conditions. An augmented initial response was dispatched that sent two brush engines, three structural engines, a water tender, an ALS medic unit, and two chief officers. Simultaneously, CalFire sent multiple companies to the fire.

Lakeside Fire crews start laying hose on the flank of the fire.

Crews knocking down hotspots in advance of the hose lay.

Responding units could soon see a large loom up of smoke in the area. Soon a wave of 911 emergency calls were received reporting that the structures on Laurel Canyon Road and Vista Laurel Place were being threatened by the fire. An "initial attack" strike team (5 engines and a chief officer) was requested to provide structural defense.

Arriving crews found a well established wind-driven fire that was pushing toward residential structures. Firefighters took up positions on the flank of the fire and on structures in the fire's path. Due to the fierce winds, a number of embers were blown into the housing tract starting a number of small spot fires. Crews assigned to structural defense quickly knocked down those spot fires. There was some minor infrastructure damage to fences in the area; however, there was no direct damage to the exposed structures.

Baptism by Fire: The new Engine 3 takes up a position with Brush 1 on the El Monte Valley side of the fire. 

Crews were able to contain the fire at 4 acres. The Lakeside Fire District was in unified command with CalFire. Assistance was provided to Lakeside from CalFire, Santee Fire, and Alpine Fire.

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

View 2014 Incident Map in a larger map

Car Fire Lights Up the Sky

Glenview-

On Tuesday, April 15th, 2014 at 12.02 a.m., the Heartland Communications Center received a 911 call reference a vehicle fire in the WalMart parking-lot in the 13400 block of Camino Canada (Glenview area).

Firefighter-Paramedic Josh Wilson pulls an attack line on the fire.

On the arrival of Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Station) they discovered a well involved sedan in the middle of the parking area. Fortunately no other cars had parked adjacent to the fire scene so the fire was isolated to a single car. Sheriff deputies had arrived just prior to the engine's arrival and checked that no occupants remained in the vehicle.

No injuries were reported. The vehicle is considered a complete loss.

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

Vehicle Accident Creates Complex Problems

Glenview-

On Wednesday, February19, 2014, at 11:19 a.m. the Heartland Communications Center received a 911 call reference a car that had driven through a carport and was on a slope above other homes in the 13400 block of Highway 8 Business. The caller stated that the occupant was still in the vehicle in an extremely unstable location. A rescue response was initiated that sent one structural engine, one rescue company, an ALS medic unit, and two chief officers.

The vehicle sits perched on a retaining wall on the property below.

The victim is removed from the vehicle and evaluated by crews below.

On the arrival of Rescue 3, and Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station), firefighters located a vehicle about thirty feet down an embankment resting on a retaining wall below. The crew from Rescue 3 attached a winch cable to the vehicle to stabilize it while the crew from Engine 8 (Heartland Fire & Rescue) and Medic 3 accessed the victim and removed him from the vehicle.

The vehicles final resting spot. A fortunate deployment of the airbag probably helped in preventing serious injuries.

As plans were made to remove the vehicle it was quickly discovered that a gas main and possibly underground electrical could be compromised as the car was pulled up the hill. After discussing the issues with the property management, the decision was made that the Rescue 3 crew would cut the gas piping to prevent further damage. As the car crested the embankment it was suddenly evident that the carport was in the way and required partial dismantling. To execute this plan the rescue crew would have to construct shoring to transfer the weight of the roof. Crews constructed a spot shore that allowed the uprights to be removed.

Rescue 3 crew constructed shoring to prevent collapse of the carport.

A total of 6 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident. Lakeside was assisted by Heartland Fire & Rescue and the Barona Fire Department. Crews from SDG&E responded to assist fire crews in evaluating hazards. CHP is investigating the incident.

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

View 2014 Incident Map in a larger map

Vehicle Accident Causes Blackout in Glenview

Glenview-

On Friday, January 31st, 2014 at 7:13 a.m. the Heartland Communications Center received a 911 call reference a vehicle accident with possible trapped victims. Reporting callers reported a vehicle that had struck a power pole in the 13100 block of Highway 8 Business. Callers stated that the occupant appeared trapped in the heavily damaged pick-up truck. A rescue response was sent that included a structural pumper, a rescue company, an ALS medic unit, and a chief officer.

Firefighter-Paramedic Jose Corona starts a patient assessment on the occupant.

En-route to the incident first responders received reports of a blackout that stretched from the Greenfield area to the Los Coches area.

On the arrival of Rescue 3 and Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station) they located an occupied vehicle with heavy damage. Crews evaluated a single occupant that had received injuries sufficient to be transported to the trauma center at Sharp Memorial Hospital. Fortunately the patient was not trapped.

Fire crews load one patient while a crew from Heartland Fire & Rescue works on another patient up the road.

Engine 8 (Heartland Fire Rescue) started evaluating occupants from a second vehicle that had three occupants. An additional ALS ambulance was requested to respond to the scene to transport one of the occupants that had a complaint of pain. None of the injuries are believed to be life threatening.

CHP is currently investigating the accident. SDG&E crews arrived to begin the process of power restoration to the area.

A total of 8 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident, assisted by Heartland Fire & Rescue.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

View 2014 Incident Map in a larger map

Vehicle Damages Structure on Los Coches Road

Lakeside-

On Thursday, January 30th, 2014 at 2:03 a.m. the Heartland Communications Center received a 911 call reference a vehicle that had just struck a structure in the 8800 block of Los Coches Road. Assigned to the alarm were three structural engines, a truck company, an ALS medic unit, and a chief officer.

On the arrival of Engine 3 and Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station) they discovered a vehicle that had struck a residential structure with sufficient force to breech the wall. Crews initiated a medical assessment on the driver while other crews entered the structure to look for additional victims. On inspection of the interior of the building it was discovered that the impact had narrowly missed a crib occupied by a small child. Much to the relief of crews the child was unharmed.

One patient was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Crews remained on-scene till the vehicle could be removed from the structure. The accident is currently being investigated by CHP.

A total of 12 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident, assisted by the Santee Fire Department.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District
Photos By: Fire Captain Wes Barnes, Lakeside Fire District

View 2014 Incident Map in a larger map

Fire Crews Tackle Midnight River Bottom Fire

Glenview-

Fire crews from multiple agencies responded to a river bottom fire in the 13400 block of Highway 8 Business. The Heartland Communications Center started receiving multiple calls about a fire in the Los Coches Creek area that was quickly approaching structures in a nearby mobile home park. The Heartland Communications Center dispatched three structural engines, one brush engine, a water tender, ALS medic unit, and a chief officer to the 12:33 a.m. fire.

Lakeside Engine 3 working the fire.

Crews arriving from Fire Station #3 (Lake Jennings) reported flames as high as 50' burning in the dead vegetation. Crews took up positions to protect threatened structures while other crews worked to extinguish the fire. The fire was burning in deep layers of dead Arundo that tends to accumulate in waterways since it's introduction into the ecosystem.

It took crews 90 minutes to completely extinguish, and overhaul the fire.

A total of 12 Lakeside personnel responded to the fire, assisted by crews from Heartland Fire & Rescue. Cause of the fire is under investigation.

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

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Marine Vehicle Catches Fire on Interstate 8

Blossom Valley-

A group of Marines returning from a construction assignment in Yuma spent a little more time in Lakeside than they had anticipated when the truck carrying their construction equipment caught fire.

On Monday, October 28th, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. the Lakeside Fire District received a report of a semi truck on fire on Interstate 8 east of Lake Jennings Park Road. After the initial call went out additional information was received that this might involve a military vehicle with a fuel tank on fire. An additional engine and water tender were added to the response based on that information.

Firefighter-Paramedic Bing Tom applies water till the braking system had cooled down.

As crews arrived on scene they located a truck with a brake and tire fire in the westbound lanes just west of the old map stop. Relieved to see that some advanced weapon system was not involved in the blaze, crews quickly knocked down the fire, and cancelled units that were not needed. An alert driver had disconnected the trailer from the tractor so the fire could not spread to the fuel tanks.

The Marines had been assigned to a construction project in Yuma and were eagerly retuning to their home base at MCAS Miramar. Arrangements were made to get assistance to the stricken truck and CHP officers arrived to lend further assistance.

A total of three structural engines, a water tender, and a duty chief were initially dispatched. A total of 10 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident. After size-up the incident was handled by one engine.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Lunch Hour Accident Causes Traffic Delays on Interstate 8

Flinn Springs-

An eastbound driver escaped with relatively minor injures when he reportedly fell asleep causing a spin-out accident on Interstate 8 near Dunbar Lane.

On Thursday, October 24, 2013, at 12:27 p.m., the Lakeside Fire District received a report of a vehicle that had left the roadway and had possibly overturned. Two structural engines, a rescue company, one ALS medic unit, and a duty chief were dispatched to the incident. Responding units encountered heavy traffic about two miles away from the incident which had effectively blocked the slow lane.

Lakeside paramedics evaluate the driver while another firefighter secures the vehicle.

On the arrival of Rescue 3 and Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station), it was determined that the occupant had self extricated from the vehicle and, fortunately, had only minor complaints of pain. The driver was transported to a local hospital via Lakeside paramedics.

Unfortunately the damage had already been done. Eastbound traffic was jammed almost back to the Olde Highway 80 over-crossing (about 2 miles away). Although the CHP quickly cleared the lane it took some time for traffic to return to normal.

Lakeside Fire was assisted by the Alpine Fire Protection District. A total of 9 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident.

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

Highway 8 Business Accident Sends Two to Hospital

Johnstown-

On Tuesday, October 22, 2013, at 3:59 p.m., the Lakeside Fire District received a report of a vehicle accident in the area of Pinkard Way and Highway 8 Business. Dispatched on the incident was one structural engine, and an ALS medic unit.

Both vehicles suffered significant damage.

On the arrival of Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station), firefighters discovered two vehicles that had been involved in a significant collision that had occurred at speeds around 40 mph. Both vehicles came to rest on private property, one causing structural damage to the complex.

While on the exterior there is significant damage, the crumple zones absorbed energy that could have damaged the passenger compartment. These occupants walked away with minor injuries.

Upon assessing the occupants it was quickly discovered that all occupants had suffered relatively minor injuries considering the speeds involved. All occupants reported that their seat belts were in use and one car had deployed its driver side and passenger airbags.

Without a doubt, these occupant would have suffered life threatening injuries had their safety restraints not been in use in a vehicle not equipped with airbags. In this situation all occupants had minor complaints of pain and were transported to the hospital via Medic 2 (River Park Station).

CHP is investigating the accident. A total of five Lakeside personnel responded to the incident.

Chalk up another one for airbags and safety restraints...!

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District