Lakeside Fire Assists Alpine with Unique Vehicle Recovery

Alpine, CA-

On Monday, November 18, 2013, at 8:43 a.m. the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a request to respond Rescue 3 to a vehicle accident on Interstate 8 westbound, just west of Tavern Rd. Firefighters had responded to an incident where a Range Rover had collided with a semi truck and was wedged under the trailer portion of the truck. Fortunately, crews had been able to remove the victims and transported them to area trauma hospitals.

Lakeside Firefighter-Paramedic Steve Russo sets a crib stack under the trailer portion of the truck. Crib stacks are used to keep loads from falling back to their original position.

Crews use a combination of airbags and hydraulic tools to lift the truck.

A problem emerged when tow operators attempted to remove the vehicle from the scene only to discover it was firmly lodged under the truck. A request was made for Rescue 3 to respond from the Lake Jennings Fire Station and assist firefighters still on-scene.

On the arrival of the rescue company, crews coordinated with Alpine and Viejas firefighters to develop a plan to lift the truck from the vehicle. The decision was made to use a system of pneumatic lifting bags, hydraulic rams, and cribbing stacks to lift the truck. Crews worked for about an hour before the truck could be safely lifted.

Lakeside Rescue 3 is a specialized resource available to Central Zone (and other) fire agencies for help with technical rescue calls.

Vehicle after removal.

Photos and Story By: Fire Captain Wes Barnes, 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



View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Rollover on Hwy 67 in Lakeside

On the morning of February 28, 2012, Lakeside Firefighters were dispatched to a reported rollover with trapped victims on Highway 67 just north of Slaughterhouse Canyon Road at the top of the grade.  While units were enroute, CHP arrived and confirmed that there were two trapped victims.  Lakeside Division Chief 4105 arrived and assumed 67 IC, reporting a pickup truck on its side with two patients inside. Lakeside Engine 2 and Medic 2 ( River Park station) were directed to stabilize the vehicle and assess the condition of the two patients. Engine 1 (Riverview station) and Rescue 3  (Lake Jennings station) arrived shortly after and were able to assist in quickly extricating both injured occupants. Lakeside firefighter-paramedics transported both victims to an area trauma center.

Lakeside Fire units on scene included 4105, Engine 1, Engine 2, Rescue 3, Medic 2, and Medic 3.    

Submitted by: Engineer/Paramedic Matthew Buzzell 1B
Photo By: Captain Chuck Palmore 1C