Condominium Fire on Mapleview Street Brings Second Alarm

 Lakeside, CA -

On Sunday, May 4, 2014, at 4:07 p. m., the Heartland Communications Center received a 911 call from an occupant that stated there was a wall on fire in their condominium unit in the 12500 block of Mapleview Street.  The first alarm sent four structural engines, one truck company, an ALS medic unit, and a chief officer to the fire.  Enroute units were advised that a number of units were filling with smoke from a possible attic fire.

Medic 2 (River Park Station) arrived on-scene and reported smoke showing from the complex.  Unsure that the occupants had safely exited the unit, firefighters made entry and conducted a search for victims. Engine 1 (Riverview Station) soon arrived and advised the smoke conditions had worsened and fire attack lines were pulled.

Crew members don their breathing apparatus in preparation of entering the structure.

Crews soon discovered that a fire was well established in the common wall between two units and had advanced two stories to the attic space. The labor intensive task of opening up the walls and roof began.  Fire was quickly discovered on the second floor and attic.  The incident commander requested a second alarm to augment crews already engaged in chasing down the hidden fire.

The crew from Santee Truck 4 makes their way to the roof to begin operations.

With the second alarm came an additional four structural engines, one additional truck company, and an additional  chief officer. 

Truck crews were sent to the roof to conduct ventilation and roof removal operations. Fire was located in the attic area and was knocked down by crews before it could spread to other units. Simultaneously crews were searching adjoining units and conducting salvage operations as smoke and water was entering these occupancies.

Crews begin the task of salvage operations. Smoke and water are removed from the affected units.

Crews were eventually successful in extinguishing the fire after extensive interior operations.  Unfortunately, three units had been affected to the point that they could not be occupied. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the families that had been displaced. 

It was determined that the fire started during plumbing repairs that involved the use of a torch. A total of 16 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident assisted by personnel from the Santee Fire Department and Heartland Fire and Rescue.  Again this demonstrates the seamless working relationship between participants of the automatic aid agreement.

Crews received logistical support from the Lakeside Logistic Volunteers. They provided cold drinks and breathing apparatus support during this operation.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District 
Additional Photography Provided By: LVG Dennis Canfield, Lakeside Fire District

View 2014 Incident Map in a larger map

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

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 Assists Alpine on a Two Alarm Structure Fire

Alpine, CA -

On Friday, February 7, 2014, at 10:59 p.m., the Heartland Communications Center received a call from a resident stating that a fire had started in their Alpine home. A first alarm structure response was sent to the home in the 3100 block of Via Viejas, on the eastern edge of Alpine. The initial alarm sent four structural engines, a truck company, one ALS medic unit, and two chief officers.

Heavy fire conditions were encountered by arriving companies.

On the arrival of Engine 17 (Alpine Fire District) firefighters reported a home with heavy smoke and fire conditions from the roof of the structure. With the arrival of additional companies, an interior attack was initiated while crews went to the roof to open up additional ventilation holes. Firefighters operating on the roof encountered heavy fire and smoke conditions.

The crew from Lakeside Engine 3, and Viejas Medic 25, work the roof.

As the running attic fire extended, a call for a second alarm was made which brought an additional five engines, two additional chief officers, and a rescue with light and air capabilities.

Crews continued to work on both the interior and roof in an attempt to cut off the fire. Finally at 12:56 a.m., the call was made that the fire was under control. Left in its wake was an extensive job of salvage and overhaul. Most units were committed into the predawn hours.

Crews on the roof continue to work to get a knockdown on the fire.

Assisting Alpine Fire were crews from Lakeside Fire District, Viejas Fire Department, Heartland Fire & Rescue, CalFire, San Miguel Fire District, Barona Fire Department, and the Santee Fire Department.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Story and Photos By: Firefighter-Paramedic Bing Tom, 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

Runaway Vehicle Sends One to Trauma Center

Glenview-

On Friday, January 17, 2014, at 6:11 p.m., the Heartland Communications Center received a 911 call reference a vehicle that had rolled down a hill with a victim lying in the street. A structural first alarm was sent to the incident in the 13300 blk of Los Coches Road East. The response included three structural engines, a truck company, an ALS medic unit, and a chief officer.

Lakeside and Santee firefighters prepare the patient for transport to Sharp Memorial.

On the arrival of Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Station), firefighters discovered a large pick-up truck that had impacted a structure. Some distance from the vehicle, a victim was located with significant traumatic injuries. The crew initiated treatment and secured the vehicle. The victim stated that the car had rolled away from him while in the process of doing some maintenance. The vehicle had dragged the victim a significant distance before he was thrown free.

With the arrival of Medic 5 (Santee Fire Department) ,the victim was loaded for transport to the trauma center at Sharp Memorial Hospital. The incident is being investigated by CHP.

A total of four Lakeside personnel responded to this incident. Assistance was provided by Santee Fire Department, Heartland Fire & Rescue, and the San Miguel Fire District.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection 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

Multi-Agency Response Stops Brush Fire in Lakeside

Lakeside, Ca -

Central Zone firefighters were alerted to a vegetation fire just before 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 6, 2013. Heartland Fire Communications dispatched a high wildland resource assignment after receiving numerous calls reporting a fire on the hillside near the 10400 of Aquilla Drive in Lakeside. Initial responding units reported smoke visible from a distance indicating a working vegetation fire.

Engine 4 (SNT) arrived on scene first and reported approximately 1 acre of vegetation burning on the hillside behind homes on Aquilla Drive. Lakeside Division 4106 (Kirkpatrick) arrived and assumed Incident Command (Aquilla IC), directing arriving fire crews to initiate fire attack on each flank of the fire. As this area of the Lakeside Fire District is also designated as state responsibility area (SRA), CalFire also initiated a wildland resource response including aircraft.

Air tankers made several retardant drops to slow the forward spread of the fire, allowing firefighters on the ground to eventually surround the fire with hoselays. Helicopters supported the ground forces with water drops. As a further precaution, the IC ordered a strike team of type I engines to the Eucalyptus Hills area to prepare for structure defense if needed.

The rapid response and immediate commitment of fire resources held this fire to approximately 15 acres with no damage to structures and no civilian injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Central Zone resources assigned to this incident included: E2, E3, WT7251, Div. 4106, Div. 4105, Div. 4103, Chief 4101, Support 4140 (Lakeside); E4, Br4, E5, E204 (Santee); E6, E8, E9, Batt. 3 (Heartland Fire-Rescue); Br27, Chief 4801 (Barona).

Fire runs up drainage behind structures. (Photo By: David Worsham)

A Cal Fire air tanker makes a hard bank while making a drop. (Photo By: Jeff Holz)

A lone firefighter is dwarfed by the massive boulders on the hillside. (Photo By: Jeff Holz) 

Firefighters navigate through challenging terrain while putting in a hose lay. (Photo By: Jeff Holz) 

Keli Bedford-Owen caught this shot of Copter 12 working the perimeter of the fire.

With the sound of approaching aircraft Lisa Ball's daughter grabbed the camera an caught this S2t working the west flank.

With a load of retardant suspended in air this S2t continues to maneuver down a predetermined path. This image was caught by Shannon Dixon-Jackson 

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photos by: David Worsham, Jeff Holz, Keli Bedford-Owen, Lisa Ball's daughter, and Shannon Dixon-Jackson

UPDATE: final acreage for fire was estimated at 28 acres.

Vegetation Fire Threatens Structures in Lakeside

Glenview-

On Tuesday, August 20, 2013, at 2:14 p.m., the Heartland Communications Center began to receive emergency calls about a vegetation fire in the 12900 blk of Highway 8 Business. Initially dispatched were two brush engines, three structural engines, an ALS medic unit, and two duty chiefs.

Fire starting to make the uphill run from Highway 8 Business.

As firefighters were en-route, additional calls were received stating the fire was quickly growing in size. Responding units could see a building column of smoke so a request was made for additional engines and the helicopter out of Gillespie Field.

With the arrival of the first Lakeside duty chief (Tockstein) about a quarter acre had been consumed and the fire was making a hard push to the east. It soon became evident that this fire was likely to get much larger, and eventually threaten structures. A request was made for an immediate need brush strike team, and a strike team of structural engines.

In addition a request was made for the water tender out of Sycuan and the Lakeside Logistic Volunteers (4140).

The fire continued on an easterly path making a run towards Interstate 8 and the homes off of Amelia Drive. The decision was made to evacuate structures on Amelia Drive, so San Diego County Sheriff Deputies went door-to-door notifying the residents of the approaching fire.

Structural engines were sent to threatened structures on Amelia Drive and Cindy Lynn Lane. The fire bumped a number of structures but pre-positioned companies were able to quick knock down the flames. Some out-buildings received damage but no residential structures were lost. Much of the credit goes to the property owners, and CalTrans, who created defensible space between their homes and the fuels. Had the fuel been allowed to grow unchecked it's likely there would have been significant structural losses.

Fire heading towards structures on Amelia Drive.

Firefighters were also sent to Interstate 8. There was some concern that the fire could spot over the freeway and get established on the south side of the freeway.  Lakeside entered into Unified Command with CalFire (Howell) due to the threat to the State Responsibility Land.

With the arrival of San Diego County Copter 10 and 12, a number of precision drops slowed the forward progress towards the homes. Ground crews were able to eventually surround the fire and at 3:56 p.m. the fire was declared "contained." A CalFire bulldozer and hand crews cut line around the fire.

Two firefighters were transported to local hospitals with heat related injuries. The fire has held to 18 acres.

Note the defensible space.

Lakeside Fire was assisted by: CalFire, Heartland Fire-Rescue, Sycuan Fire, and Santee Fire. This is another example how automatic and mutual aid works to protect all citizens in San Diego County.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District
Photos By: Fire Chief Andy Parr, Lakeside Fire District
Video By: Bill Prorok

 

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Quick Multi-Agency Response Stops Fast Moving Brush Fire

Lakeside, CA -

A coordinated, multi-agency response from the ground and air held a fast-moving brush fire to 10 acres in Lakeside on Saturday, August 17, 2013. Heartland Communications received multiple calls for a fire in the vegetation just east of Greenfield Drive on the south side of Interstate 8 at 11:17 a.m. With a large column of smoke visible from a distance, Heartland Fire-Rescue Battalion 3 (Drum) requested additional resources including aircraft while enroute the fire.

Firefighters were deployed to hoselays on the north and south flanks of the fire and additional engines were committed to the Valley View Truck Trail behind the Vons/Walmart shopping center to stop the forward progress of the blaze as it crested the ridgeline. CalFire air tankers made several retardant drops to help slow the progress of the fire and allow ground forces to get a line around it. San Diego County Copters 10 and 12 made water drops to help ground crews extinguish the flames. Additional engines were assigned to defend structures in the area of Lotus Lane.

This incident involved resources from many agencies working together seamlessly within unified Incident Command. The following agencies participated in helping stop this dangerous fire: Lakeside Fire, CalFire, Heartland Fire-Rescue, Santee Fire, Barona Fire, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Fire.

Fire crests the ridge behind WalMart.

Firefighters on Division "D" mopping-up.

CalFire handcrew punches-in handline on Division "A."

CalFire Dozer 3342 ties his dozer line into Valley View Truck trail.

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire
Photos by: Engineer Robert Williams, Firefighter Paramedic Kyle Zauss, Lakeside Fire

Sheriff Helicopter Locates Structure Fire in Lakeside

Lemon Crest Area-

Lakeside Fire crews were alerted to a fully involved structure fire by a San Diego County Sheriff helicopter on routine patrol in the area. The ASTREA helicopter noticed a large glow emanating from the Lakeside area. Upon investigating they came across a larger structure in the 12300 block of Lemon Crest Dr that was fully involved. The Heartland Communications Center dispatched four structural engines, one truck company, an ALS medic unit, and two staff officers to the 1:03 AM fire.

Flames leap from the last intact cornier of the home.

Firefighter-Paramedics from Medic 2 put a large caliber hose stream on the fire.

Crews from Lake Jennings, to the Santee area, could now see the fire as they left their stations. The fire was burning through a large residential structure of all wood construction. This home sits high atop a knoll above the Lemon Crest Elementary School, and has been a visible fixture in the community of Lakeside for some time.

A firefighter sits on another large hose stream at the rear of the building.

Crews attack the fire with the "high volume" deck gun on Engine 1. It would take many additional line to bring the fire under control. 

Upon the arrival of Engine 1 (Riverview Station) they came across a locked gate and difficult access to the building. With the arrival of Engine 2 (River Park Station) and Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Station) a hose lay was made, with some pumper being used to boost the pressure. Command of the fire was assumed by Division Chief Ron Laff upon his arrival.

A firefighter starts the process of overhauling the fire.

Crews were quickly aided by firefighters from Santee with the arrival of Engine 4 and Truck 4 (Santee-Cottonwood Station). Multiple lines were deployed including a "deck gun" capable of delivering 1000 gallons of water per minute. Even with this huge delivery of water on the fire it was resistive to being "knocked-down." Crews continued to deploy lines

Eventually the fire was brought under control after an extensive "fire attack." But crews were now faced with extensive overhaul around a very unstable structure. Crews continued to look for hotspots buried deep under the mounds of roofing materials. The decision was made to have heavy equipment respond at daylight and knock down the remaining unstable walls.

A back-hoe operator digs out hot spots while firefighters continue to overhaul.

With sunrise a thick layer of smoke hung over the Lakeside area from the all night fire. Overhaul operations continued till 4:00 PM the following day.

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

Currently the San Diego Sheriff Bomb-Arson team is investigating the fire. Lakeside was assisted by the Santee Fire Department and Heartland Fire & Rescue. A total 12 Lakeside personnel responded to the fire, assisted by 7 personnel from the Santee Fire Deaprtment.

The Logistical Volunteer Group provided incident support throughout the night, and following day. This group of dedicated volunteers opened a rehab area, and transported equipment needed at the fire scene.

Dispatched Units: LKS-E1, LKS-E2, LKS-E3, SNT-E4, SNT-T4, LKS-M2, HRT-B3, LKS-4103, LKS-4101, LKS-E26, LKS-4140

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District
Photos By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Fire Captain Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire District, and Fire Engineer Robert Williams

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Traffic Collision with Entrapment on Wildcat Canyon Road

Lakeside, CA - 

A driver suffered major injuries in a head-on traffic collision on Wildcat Canyon Road in Lakeside. Firefighters were alerted at 5:15 a.m. on Sunday, June 9, 2013, for the accident just north of Muth Valley Road. Barona Engine 27 was first on scene reporting a high-speed collision with patient entrapment. Firefighter-paramedics from Lakeside's River Park fire station arrived soon after and deployed their hydraulic rescue tools to begin patient extrication and treatment. Lakeside Rescue 3 arrived and assisted with their larger complement of rescue equipment.

Due to the extended extrication, a Mercy Air helicopter was requested for transport. A team of firefighter-paramedics worked to stabilize the patient while Medic 2 was driven to the Landing Zone at El Capitan High School. The patient was tranported to the care of Mercy Air 6 and flown to Sharp Memorial Hospital Trauma Center.

Units attending this incident included: Engine 1, Engine 2, Rescue 3, Medic 2 (Lakeside); Engine 27 (Barona); Battalion 3 (Heartland Fire-Rescue).

Mercy Air 6 arrives at the "LZ."

MA-6 on the ground with E1 and M2.

Heartland Fire-Rescue Battalion 3 (Kakuris) was the Incident Commander.

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

Multiple Agencies Respond to a Second Series of Fires on Highway 67

 Lakeside/Santee-

On Sunday, May 26th, 2013 at 6:01 PM, the Heartland Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting three separate vegetation fires on State Highway 67 from Winter Gardens Blvd to Woodside Ave. A "medium wildland" response was dispatched which included three structural engines, two brush engines, a water tender, an ALS medic unit, and a duty chief (Tockstein).

Once it was determined that there was multiple fires a request was made for two additional brush engines and a chief officer (Parr).


One fire was located on the southbound side of Highway 67 near Winter Gardens Blvd. Crews took action to keep the fire from entering the San Diego river bottom as this property is adjacent to the Lakeside River Park Conservancy. Another fire was discovered on Highway 67 near the entrance to the Santee Drive-In.

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Another smaller fire was contained quickly between these two fires.

Lakeside Fire was assisted by Santee Fire, Heartland Fire-Rescue, and Barona Fire. A total of 10 Lakeside personnel responded to this series of fires.

All three fires are under investigation.

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

Lakeside Firefighters Stop Small Brush Fire

Lake Jennings Area, Lakeside, CA -

A rapid response brought a quick end to a brush fire in Lakeside on May 15, 2013. Heartland Fire Communications received multiple reports of a fire burning in the vegetation on Lake Jennings Park Rd. next to the Helix Water District's R.M. LevyWater Treatment Plant. Lakeside Division Chief 4103 (Laff) arrived on scene within a few minutes of dispatch and directed incoming firefighters to deploy hoselines and quickly surround the fire. Personnel from the water treatment plant had also deployed hoselines to fight the fire prior to the arrival of firefighters.

The wildland fire resource assignment for this fire included: Brush 1, Engine 2, Engine 3, Water Tender 7251, Medic 2, Division 4103, Divison 4105 (Lakeside);  Engine 8 (Heartland Fire-Rescue); Brush 17 (Alpine); Engine 3382 (CalFire).

Lakeside firefighter mopping-up the fire edge.

A hoselay extended from Brush 1 held the fire in check.

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photos by: Captain Bernie Molloy, Engineer Robert Williams

Brush Fire Off Mapleview Extension Blackens Six Acres

Lakeside-

 On Saturday, May 11th 2013 at 3:30 PM, the Heartland Communications Center received a 911 call about a brush fire off the east end of the Mapleview St extension (east of Pino Drive). Crews clearing a call in the area of Dunbar Lane and Interstate 8 could suddenly see a column of smoke cresting the horizon. A "high wildland" level of dispatch was sent by both Heartland Fire, and CAL FIRE. This level of dispatch brings a combination of brush and structural engines, not to mention, dozers and aircraft.

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map
 

Medic 2 arrived on-scene an reported about 2 acres with a high rate of spread currently threatening two residential structures in the area. Soon joined by Engine 2 (River Park Station), Engine 4 (Santee Fire), and Engine 9 (Heartland Fire-Rescue) units set-up to protect structures in the area and initiate a hose lay to stop the spread of the fire.

Fire making its eastern run toward the El Monte Valley.

A nearby park ranger reported to the communications center that the fire was spreading into the El Monte Valley from the eastern slope of the hill. Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Station), Brush 26 (Blossom Valley Station), Brush 1 (Riverview Station), and CAL FIRE engines positioned themselves on the eastern flank to contain the spread. With the arrival of air assets drops were placed by fixed wing, and helicopters, to slow the spread of the fire till ground forces could contain the fire.

SDSO-CAL FIRE helicopter puts a drop on the eastern side of the fire. Efforts were concentrated in this area to keep the fire out of the El Monte Valley.

The fire was managed by a unified command between Lakeside (Kirkpatrick) and CALFIRE. Lakeside and CALFIRE were assisted by Heartland Fire-Rescue, Santee Fire Department, Barona Fire Department.

A total of six acres were consumed in this fire. The cause is currently under investigation.

Submitted By : Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District
Photos By: Fire Engineer Robert Williams, Lakeside Fire Protection 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