"Valley" and "Dunbar" Incidents

Shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2013, firefighters from multiple agencies were dispatched to reports of a vegetation fire along eastbound Interstate 8 just east of Greenfield Drive.  Initial reports stated the fire was about 1 acre in size  with a slow rate of spread.  Minutes later the fire grew rapidly as the wind picked up and pushed it up the hill toward homes on Lotus Ln.  Firefighters quickly responded to the area to defend homes.  Along with the air support from the firefighting helicopters and the quick deployment of fire crews into the area, no homes were lost and no one was hurt.  Firefighters worked well into the night to contain the fire and several fire crews remained on scene overnight to monitor the area.  The fire was estimated to be about 30 acres and the cause is still under investigation.

At the same time the Valley fire was being dispatched, another fire was reported along the right shoulder of eastbound Interstate 8 just before Dunbar Ln.  Multiple agencies were dispatched to this location at the same time as the Valley fire.  Both incidents shared the air resources and had quick action from ground crews to stop the forward progress and contain the fires without injuries or homes being lost.  The size of the Dunbar incident is unknown and is also under investigation.

Units from the Lakeside Fire Protection District on these incidents were Engine 2, Engine 3, Engine 26, Brush 1, Water Tender 7251, and Chiefs 4101, 4103, and 4105.

Other agencies were Cal Fire, El Cajon, Santee, U.S. Forest Service, Alpine, and Barona Fire.

Story and Photos By: Engineer Matt Buzzell

Rolled Over Truck Sends Two to Trauma Center

Dunbar Area-

On Saturday, June 9, 2012, at 3:45 p.m., the Lakeside Fire District received a call of a truck that had rolled over on Interstate 8 just east of Dunbar Lane. Two structural engines, a rescue company, ALS medic unit and a duty chief were sent to the incident.

The crew from Engine 26s and Rescue 3 look for additional occupants.

On the arrival of Engine 26s (Blossom Valley Station), they advised the potential for three patients. With the arrival of Rescue 3 and Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Station), all three occupants were evaluated. It was determined that two of the occupants needed to receive further evaluation at Sharp Memorial Trauma Center, while the third elected not to be transported.

CHP is conducting the investigation as to the cause. A total of 9 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident, assisted by personnel from the Alpine Fire District.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

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

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