Vegetation Fire in Rios Canyon Brings Multi-Agency Response

Rios Canyon-

On Monday, November 10, 2014, at 2:03 p.m., the Heartland Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting a vegetation fire burning in the canyon in the 14300 block of Rios Canyon Road. The Central Zone sent one brush pumper, two structural pumpers, a water tender, ALS medic unit, and a chief officer to the incident. Simultaneously, CalFire started a response that included engines, hand crews, and aircraft.

Lakeside Fire crews take action to stop the spread towards dwellings.

On the arrival of Lakeside Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station), firefighters located a fire burning in light flashy fuels, intermixed with downed tree limbs. The fire was making an uphill run towards an adjoining mobile home park. Engine 3's crew initiated a hose evolution that would cut-off the spread towards occupied dwellings. Additional engines from CalFire and Alpine Fire Protection District took up positions to contain the fire to an area a little over an acre.

Lakeside, CalFire, and Alpine crews mop-up hot spots.

A CalFire hand crew cut a containment line around the fire perimeter.

Both the fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft were cancelled as crews made good progress on the fire.

No structural damage was reported. CalFire is currently investigating the cause of the fire.

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

Neighbor Saves Home from Fire

Rios Canyon-

When the owner of a home in Rios Canyon pulled away from his residence little did he know a fire was brewing in the kitchen area. As neighbors came out to enjoy the evening they suddenly noticed smoke coming from the residence. While some ran into their homes to call 911, one of the neighbors notified Pedro Hernandez that his neighbors house was on fire.

The Lakeside Fire Protection District received a call about the fire at 5:05 PM. Five structural engines, a truck company, ALS medic unit, and two duty chiefs were sent to the fire in the 14200 block of Rios Canyon Rd.

Firefighter Nathan Fox checks the ceiling space for fire extension.

As engines were racing to the fire, Pedro Hernandez had arrived at his neighbors home. He could see a rapidly spreading fire in the kitchen area, so without hesitation he located a fire hose cabinet and pulled the charged hose line towards the burning structure. Opening a rear door Mr. Hernandez was able to extinguish fire. Fearing the fire could re-ignite he quickly located the electrical, and gas service, and secured them.

Arriving companies found the home charged with heavy smoke. Fans were used to clear the structure of smoke, and the crew checked for extension of the fire into the walls and ceiling.

Without a doubt, had Mr. Hernandez not responded to the home this would have been a total loss fire.

Units from Heartland Fire-Rescue, San Miguel Fire District, Barona Fire District also responded to the call. 

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Visit

Firefighter McKenna demonstrating  the sound of a smoke detector.

Firefighters from Station 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station) paid a visit to Rios Elementary School today to speak to the children about fire safety. The students from Mrs. Hanna, Mrs Olenick, Mrs Mckimmie and Mrs Otte's classes paid close attention as Firefighter Shawn McKenna talked to them about how to stay safe.

Stop! Drop! and Roll!

Many fire departments regularly participate in public education events for children like this one especially during the month of October which has "Fire Prevention Week".  Today the youngsters learned important lessons about smoke detectors, home evacuation, 911, stop-drop-and-roll, what to do with matches and identifying firefighters as friends even when they look scary dressed in full protective equipment.

Eng. Downing is not so scary when you know he's your friend.

 All eyes were wide with enthusiasm while they looked at fire Engine 3, Medic 3 and all of the equipment carried on each unit. Not only do our firefighters love to visit schools because we like to show off our equipment, we also acknowledge the importance of early exposure to fire safety education.

Children file by Medic-3 and Engine-3

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Submitted by: Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire Captain

Rios Canyon Fuel Spill

Rios Canyon: On Wednesday, May 19th, 2010 at 6:59 PM, the Lakeside Fire District sent a single engine company to the area of Rios Canyon Rd and Pecan Park Ln to investigate a reported fuel leak in the area. On the arrival of Engine Company 3 (Lake Jennings Station) they discovered a significant diesel leak from a parked truck that had entered the flood control opening.

Diesel fuel stains the gutter on Rios Canyon Rd.

Crews initially diked the gutter and attempted to stop the flow of diesel fuel (to no avail). Crews slowed the flow of diesel and contacted the County of San Diego Hazardous Materials Department. A technician was dispatched to assist fire crews with mitigation efforts.

Crews became concerned when diesel was discovered inside of the underground flood control drainage. Battalion One (Battalion Chief Larkin) was requested to the scene to coordinate with the Hazardous Materials Department. 

Crews diked the opening to the flood control channel, but not before a limited amount entered the opening.

Lakeside Fire crews assisted with final clean-up and were committed to the incident for over two hours. Fuel was removed from the waterway, and the owner of the truck will arrange for final disposal of contaminated materials.

Just a reminder, in California the only thing that is allowed in gutters and flood control openings is rain water. 

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District