Flinn Springs Motorcycle Accident Results in Multiple Patients

Flinn Springs-

On Friday, March 14, 2014, at 7:19 p.m., the Heartland Communications Center received a 911 call for a motorcycle versus vehicle in the intersection of Chimney Rock Lane and Olde Highway 80. Dispatched on the initial response were Engine 26 (Blossom Valley Station) and Medic 4 (Santee Fire-Cottonwood).

The aftermath of the accident that resulted in two seriously injured.

When Lakeside Engine 26 arrived at the scene firefighters discovered two juveniles both with major injuries. The two youths were riding on a dirt bike when the impact occurred.  Due to the severity of their injuries a request for an additional engine company and medic unit was made by Engine 26. This sent Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Station) and Medic 5 (Santee Fire-Carlton Oaks) to the incident to assist with patient care and transport.

Crews concentrated on stabilizing the victims prior to transport. Both victims were transported to Sharp Memorial Trauma with serious injuries.

CHP is investigating the accident.

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

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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 

 

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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

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



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The Stork Visits Flinn Springs - Lakeside Firefighters Assist with Newborn Delivery

Flinn Springs, CA - 

An expectant mother didn't quite make it to the hospital early Wednesday morning, June 12, 2013. The car she was traveling in pulled over on westbound Interstate 8 and 911 was called when the baby could not wait any longer. Firefighters from Lakeside's Blossom Valley fire station (fs26) were alerted at 3:49 a.m. and quickly responded to help.

By the time firefighters had arrived, a healthy baby boy had already delivered. The crew assessed both mother and baby and prepared both for transport to Grossmont Hospital. Lakeside Medic 2 from the River Park fire station (fs2) arrived to provide transport.

Ironically, Engine 26 had just returned to quarters from another childbirth-related call when this call was dispatched.



Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

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

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

Firefighters Battle Blaze in Wrecking Yard

Lakeside: Firefighters were called today, February 25, 2013, to the 15200 block of Olde Hwy 80 for reports of several cars on fire in a wrecking yard.  As units left their stations there were several reports of a large column of smoke being visible from far away.  E26 was the first arriving unit, reporting there was a large area of fire and heavy smoke coming from the center of the wrecking yard.  E26 did a "driveway lay" into the yard and advanced into the property to investigate what exactly was on fire.  E2, which was the next unit to arrive, attached to E26's hose lay and advanced it to a hydrant 500 feet up the road.  This would ultimately be one of the 3 supply lines that were deployed on the fire.


 
E26 made their way into the middle of the property and found a large pile of wrecked vehicles that were engulfed in flame.   Adjacent the pile of vehicles there was a large container, roughly the size of a semi truck trailer, filled with used tires that were also on fire.  The fire load was extremely large so there was a great deal of smoke being produced when crews arrived.
As engines began arriving it was clear that this would be an operation that would require a tremendous quantity of water to suppress the fire.  Flowing simultaneously on this fire were two deck guns (capable of over 1,000 gpm each), the aerial from Santee Truck 4,  two 2.5” hoselines and two 1.75” line.  This collection of attack lines and devices were putting over 3,000 gallons of water per minute onto the fire, and it was still not going out quickly.
Once much of the fire had been knocked down it was decided that the best way to get at the remaining fire was to use tractors to pluck the cars off the pile, putting them down somewhere crews could extinguish them.  This went on for several hours as the fire slowly went out. This fire shows how effective the automatic aid agreements we have in place are.



The agencies involved were: Lakeside Fire, El Cajon Fire, Santee Fire, Alpine Fire, Cal Fire, San Diego County HazMat, San Diego City Fire HazMat the CHP and SDSO.  Some of these agencies were involved because of their proximity at the time of dispatch, others were involved because of their specialized training.  Working together with several agencies seamlessly is something fire agencies in San Diego County do better than almost anywhere else in the world.



This fire did not result in any injuries to civilians or firefighters.  It was determined that the areas immediately surrounding the fire should be evacuated to ensure the public’s safety.  Once the fire was extinguished all of the employees at the surrounding companies were able to return.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Story and Video by Captain Bernie Molloy
Photos By Engineer Shawn McKenna

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  

Vehicle vs. Dumpster on Olde Highway 80

Flinn Springs: On Thursday, February 10th 2010 at 3:27 AM, the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a call of a vehicle accident on Olde Highway 80 near Chimney Rock Lane. An engine company, a rescue company, and an ALS ambulance were dispatched to the incident.

Fire Engineer-Paramedic Rich Smith surveys the damage to the vehicle.

Responding companies from the Lake Jennings station were initially confused when they came across a dumpster that had been impacted at a high rate of speed. The contents had been strewn across the roadway. Crews continued east on Olde Highway 80 an soon discovered a vehicle with moderate damage about 300 yards from the original impact area.

A welcome sight to firefighters. Both the driver side, and passenger side, airbags deployed leaving behind this signature fracture in the windshield.

Crews assessed a single occupant that had no medical complaints. Undoubtedly the fact that there was a airbag deployment contributed to the lack of injuries.

CHP responded to the incident and took the driver into custody. Crews returned to the impact area and assisted the homeowner with removing trash from the roadway.

A total of 8 Lakeside Fire personnel responded to this incident.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Rescue on Olde Highway 80 at Pecan Park Lane

Flinn Springs: On Wednesday, December 29, 2010, at 1:41 p.m., the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a report of a collision between a truck and large sedan at Olde Highway 80 and Pecan Park Lane. A structural engine, a rescue company, and an ALS ambulance were sent on the alarm.

Firefighters gather equipment before the careful removal of the injured parties.

Arriving units discovered a moderate velocity accident that resulted in a "T-Bone" type impact on a large sedan. On evaluation of the occupants, a total of three patients were identified. One occupant showed signs of a significant neck injury, so the decision was made to remove the backdoor of the vehicle so the patient could receive proper handling. In total, two patients were transported to Sharp Memorial Trauma Center for evaluation. A third occupant elected not to be transported by ambulance.

Captain Chuck Palmore and Firefighter Todd Welch start operations to remove the backdoor of the vehicle to facilitate removal of an injured party.

A total of 8 Lakeside personnel responded to the call. CHP is currently investigating the accident.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

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

Vehicle Roll-Over Starts Chain Reaction on I-8

Flinn Springs: On Saturday, May 15th, 2010 at 10:16 PM, units from the Alpine, Viejas, CalFIRE, and Lakeside Fire Agencies were dispatched to a "Rescue Vehicle Accident" on Interstate 8 near Tavern Rd. The alarm sent 3 engine companies, one rescue company, an ALS ambulance, and Battalion Chief to the area. While units were still enroute to the original location an updated location was received from CHP as Interstate 8 just east of Lake Jennings Park Rd. In addition a report was received that there were multiple accidents in both directions of the freeway, and possibly some victims were trapped.

Lakeside personnel evaluate two occupants of a vehicle roll-over on Interstate 8. Both occupants had minor injuries because of proper use of shoulder-lap restraints.

Rescue 3 (Lake Jennings Station) came upon the scene as the new location was being given. On arrival there were two incidents, both involving rolled over vehicles in the east and westbound lanes just east of the old map stop. After a initial assessment it was determined that there were only two injuries in the westbound lanes.

The two occupants of a sedan had self extricated from there vehicle with minor injuries. The occupants reported having their seatbelt restraints in use at the time of the accident. Because they were properly restrained the injuries were very minor.

CHP is currently investigating the accident. Traffic was affected in both directions.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District 

Commercial Fire in Flinn Springs

Flinn Springs: On Wednesday, April 7th,2010 at 7:09 PM, the Heartland Communications Center started to receive multiple reports of a commercial building on fire in the 14300 blk of Olde Highway 80. Four engine companies, a truck company, an ALS ambulance, and a Battalion Chief were dispatched to the incident. On the arrival of Engine Company 3 and Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Station) they had moderate smoke conditions coming from multiple openings. The crew forced entry through a exterior door and discovered active fire in the warehouse portion of the business.

Lakeside Engine 3 starts an interior attack as Santee Truck 4 arrives to execute vertical ventilation.

Santee Truck 4 on the roof while other crews report to assist on the interior.

On the arrival of Engine Company 26s (Blossom Valley Station) they assisted crews with stretching additional attack lines. With the arrival of Engine Company 8 (El Cajon Fire) they assumed the RIC (Rapid Intervention Crew) function and started immediate work on pulling back-up lines and facilitating ventilation. Battalion 1 (Laff) arrived and assumed command of the fire.

As the attack crew made it's way into the building they discovered a large work truck that had ignited in the middle of the building. After a knockdown of the fire crews were dealing with near "zero" visibility so Truck 4 (Santee Fire Department) laddered the roof and initiated vertical ventilation. 

The fire is currently under investigation. Preliminary loss was placed at about $30,000. Factors in the limited loss was a sprinkler system that held the fire in check with a single head activation. Without that sprinkler system it's likely this fire could have been a total loss of the business.

Thirteen Lakeside Fire personnel responded to the fire, assisted by three personnel from the Santee, and three personnel from the El Cajon Fire Department.

Submitted: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Photos By: Interim Fire Chief Andy Parr and Battalion Chief Ron Laff.

Lakeside Crews Support Event at Los Coches Creek Middle School

Flinn Springs: Los Coches Creek Middle School 6th graders got to see fire/emergency vehicles, and were taught fire/disaster preparedness information, at an event sponsored by the Greater Alpine Fire Safe Council. Lakeside Fire, CALFire, Viejas Fire, US Forest Service, SDG&E, American Red Cross and others had booths at this event. 


Lakeside Fire Protection District crews are committed to spreading the message of Fire Prevention and Disaster Preparedness to Lakeside residents and guests. If Lakeside residents wish to have a fire engine at your upcoming educational event please contact the Fire Prevention Division at 619-390-2350.

Lakeside firefighters spend some time talking to 6th graders at Los Coches Creek  Middle School about fire prevention and safety topics.

Submitted By: Interim Fire Chief Andy Parr

Weather Related Fatality in Lakeside

Flinn Springs: At approximately 3 PM, on January 19th, companies from the Lakeside Fire District were called to 15141 Olde Highway 80 for a large tree that had fallen, crushing a number of the occupancies in the park. Battalion Chief Brent Larkin (IC) states that a total of three occupancies have been destroyed in this incident. Crews initiated a search and rescue operation to look for potential victims. After a hour long rescue operation crews located the body of a female victim in one of the trailers. Concerned that other victims might be trapped under the large eucalyptus tree, a request for a heavy crane was made. Marco Crane responded to the incident and was able to remove the tree allowing crews to complete the search. No additional victims were found.

Crews from Lakeside, Santee, and CALFIRE search for victims

Damage to another coach in the area

Lakeside Fire was assisted by crews from El Cajon, Santee and CALFIRE. In addition a handcrew responded to assist in the search operations.

Representatives from both the Red Cross and TIP responded to assist.

Submitted: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District
Photos Provided By: San Diego Sheriffs Department