Fast Response Keeps Fire out of Lakeside

Poway, CA -

On Thursday, August 1, 2013, firefighters from Lakeside Fire Station 2 and Station 1 were dispatched to reports of a vegetation fire on Highway 67 near Iron Mountain Dr.  Lakeside units arrived on scene simultaneously with resources from Poway and CAL FIRE and found a fire that was under an acre and burning up the hillside.  The fire was located in Poway, but only a few hundred yards from the Lakeside Fire Protection District.

A view of the fire from Highway 67

Lakeside Engine 2 began a progressive hose lay up the side of the southern flank of this fire with crews from CAL FIRE 3398.  The vegetation was burning at a slow rate of spread as it climbed the hill so crews were able to catch the head of the fire before it grew much larger.

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

From this map you can see the Poway border (darker brown) and the unincorporated area of Lakeside (lighter brown).  Incidents like this show why the mutual aid system we work under is so beneficial.  This fire was suppressed before it burned into Lakeside; however, had resources not arrived on scene as quickly as they did, this fire could have had a much different outcome.  Resources responding to this fire included units from Poway Fire Department, CAL FIRE, Lakeside Fire Protection District, and Santee Fire Department.

A view back down towards Highway 67

The fire was on the west side of Highway 67, which was beneficial to firefighters because there were no structures on this side of the road that were immediately threatened.  As you can see from the photos, had the fire been on the other side of the highway there may have been homes that could have been impacted by the fire.  The fire was held to under an acre and no structures were lost.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Crews "mop up" the fire to make sure there are no hotspots left.

 Lakeside Engineer Vasquez using 3 engines to keep enough water going to the hoselay

Story by: Captain Bernie Molloy
Photos by: Chief Andy Parr and Captain Bernie Molloy

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

Multi-Agency Response to Fire in Santee

Santee, CA -

Firefighters spent the hot afternoon of Friday June 28, 2013, battling a blaze off of Prospect Avenue in Santee, just north of Gillespie Field. As resources were being released from the vegetation fire on Muth Valley Road, another fire was breaking out in Santee.

Heavy smoke showing on arrival.

Reports began coming in to Heartland Communication Center that there was both a vegetation fire and a structure fire taking place. Lakeside Fire Chief 4101 (Parr) arrived on scene and reported heavy smoke and fire visible with several vehicles and rubbish on fire behind a building. Santee Engine 4, Engine 5 and Lakeside Engine 3 arrived in short order and began attacking the fire from different access points.

Lakeside Engineer Shawn McKenna attacking the fire.

The fire was burning across several lots in the 10500 block of Prospect Avenue. There was vegetation, structures, cars, trash, cargo container's and other debris that burned. During the fire several propane tanks ruptured sending the sounds of explosions throughout the areas surrounding the fire. There were also compressed paint cans that exploded flying over 100 feet from the fire. This fact illustrates the reason the public should not try to get close to these events when they happen. To complicate the suppression efforts there were several fences that obstructed the firefighters ability to reach all of the debris that was on fire.

Lakeside Captain Bernie Molloy checking access.

The fire was suppressed after approximately 30 minutes. Firefighters remained on-scene for an extended period of time. The overhaul needs from this fire were extensive. All of the vegetation and debris had to be thoroughly covered in water to ensure there were no hidden embers that would later result in more fires.

Lakeside Fire Captain Ian Lowe confers with San Diego Engine 34's Captain.

The response included 14 engines, 2 trucks, 2 ALS medic units, 6 chief officers and the Lakeside Fire Logistical Volunteer Group. Of these units Lakeside Fire supplied 2 fire engines 1 brush engine, 1 ALS ambulance, 3 chief officers, and the LVG support personnel. Other agencies assisting Santee Fire were Lakeside Fire Protection District, Heartland Fire and Rescue, San Diego Fire and Rescue, and Viejas Fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Story By: Captain Bernie Molloy

Photos By: Captain Rick Dalldorf and Firefighter/Paramedic Steve Russo

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Lakeside Assists with Northcote Structure Fire

Santee-

On Friday, June 14th, 2013 at 4.38 PM, the Heartland Communications Center received a call from a homeowner stating she had a fire in the carport area of her home. Three structure engines, a truck company, a rescue company, one ALS medic unit, and two duty chiefs were sent to the fire in the 9200 block of Northcote Rd in the City of Santee.

Santee and Lakeside Fire units on Northcote Rd

Medic 4 (Santee Cottonwood Station) arrived and started a search to make sure the residence had no occupants inside. The fire was soon located in an enclosed area utilized as a washroom. With the arrival of Engine 1 (Riverview Station) lines were pulled and the fire was quickly knocked down. Crews used infrared handheld units to make sure the fire was fully extinguished.

Lakeside Fire Engineer Steve Schleif attaches a four inch supply line from a nearby hydrant.

Santee crews conducted an additional secondary search to make sure all occupants, and pets, were out of the building.

The fire cause was determined to be lint build-up around the dryer unit. The U.S. Fire Administration estimates 2,900 dryer fires occur each year resulting in 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 miilion dollars in loses. This might be a stark reminder to check your dryer ventilation system today!

A total of 7 Lakeside personnel assisted with this incident. Another example of cooperative automatic aid between agencies in the Central Zone.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District
Photos By: Fire Captain Bernie Molloy, Lakeside Fire District
 
View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Multi-Agency Response Holds Fire Off Vigilante Rd

Moreno Valley-

On June 4th, 2013 at 12:17 PM, the Heartland Communications Center received multiple 911 calls about a vegetation fire burning behind the businesses in the 12500 block of Vigilante Rd. A medium wildland response was initiated which brought 3 brush engines, three structural engines, one water tender, two duty officers, and an ALS medic unit. Cal Fire also initiated a response which included additional brush engines and aircraft.

Firefighter Todd Welch overhauling the fire area.

Crews from Lakeside and Santee continue the overhaul process in heavy overhead fuels.

The first arriving officer was Fire Chief Parr who located a fire burning in a creek bed near the businesses. Engine 2 (River Park Station), and engines from the Santee Fire Department took up positions to stop the spread. Additional companies were requested to assist with overhaul in the area. Brush 225 (Viejas Fire), and Cal Fire crews cut a containment line around the fire which was located in heavy fuels.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Lakeside Fire was assisted by Santee Fire, Viejas Fire, and Cal Fire. A total of 11 Lakeside personnel responded to the fire.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District
Photos By: Fire Captain Rick Dalldorf, Lakeside Fire District

Firefighters Respond to Fire on Hwy 67

Santee, CA -

On Thursday May 30, 2013, Lakeside Firefighters extinguished yet another road side fire on Hwy 67.  The fire was actually reported by E2, which was headed southbound on Hwy 67 enroute to the training tower.  As E2 was driving down the road they saw several spot fires in the grass on the right shoulder of the southbound lane just North of Woodside Ave.  E2 requested a wildland dispatch and began attacking the fire by themselves. Heartland Communications Center dispatched a low wildland response to assist E2 with the fire attack.  The full response consisted of three type 1 structural engines, two type 3 brush engines, an ALS medic unit, and a duty chief. 

The view after most of the fire was extinguished

The fires burned rapidly, fueled by the wind and dry vegetation.  The spot fires burned together quickly spreading to several hundred yards up the 67 and then spreading to the center divide.  The next in Engine, Lakeside BR1, began to attack the fire in the center divide with assistance from the crews from Santee Engine 4 that arrived just behind them.  The fires were quickly stopped before they were able to get too large or spread off of the highway.

Firefighter/Paramedic Steve Russo  with BR 26 during the mop up phase

When the fires were extinguished it was determined that a trailer hauling lumber had caused the fire as a result of a brake failure that sent pieces of hot brakes into the dry vegetation.  This fire illustrates the ease with which the dry grass and brush around the east county can be ignited and highlights the reason why local fire departments are focusing attention on fire safety and defensible space.

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map


Story and photos by Captain Bernie Molloy

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

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

Brush Fire Threatens River Bottom

Lakeside-

A fast moving brush fire quickly spread from Highway 67 into the nearby San Diego River bottom. On Thursday, May 2nd 2013 at 4:16 PM, Fire Chief Andy Parr observed a small fire starting on southbound Highway 67 between Winter Gardens Blvd and Riverford Rd. After notifying the Heartland Communications Center of the fire a high wildland fire response was dispatched which included three brush rigs, four structural engines, a water tender, two duty chiefs, and an ALS medic unit.

The fire makes an eastward push towards the conservancy.

Fire running eastward down the freeway easement. The fire eventually burned north into the river bottom. (Photo By: Ken Kremensky)

The fire quickly extended off of the freeway easement into the thick fuels north of the freeway. The fire started to make a hard run to the east which threatened the Lakeside River Park Conservancy. Crews were initially placed to stop the eastward spread of the fire while other crews placed hoselays to surround the fire. Due to the dense nature of the vegetation in this area crews were committed for an extended period of time conducting mop-up operations.

Lakeside Engine 2 knocks down flames on the east end of the fire. (Photo By: Ken Kremensky)

Crews work in the heavy vegetation in the river bottom.

Lakeside Fire District was assisted by the Santee Fire Department and CALFIRE, A total of 17 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident.

 The fire consumed 1.5 acres of brush. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

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

 

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

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

GARAGE FIRE IN SANTEE

Tuesday February 12, 2013 units from the Lakeside Fire Protection District assisted the Santee Fire department with a garage fire in a condominium complex at the north end of the city.  The dispatch was shortly before 7am and Lakeside Division Chief 4106 was on scene first and reported a well involved garage fire.  Santee Truck 4 was the next unit on scene followed closely by Lakeside Engine Company #2.  By the time Truck 4 made access to the garage to start the fire attack, Engine 2 had secured a water source and stretched attack lines to the front of the garage and were able to knock down the fire before it extend into any of the homes.  No one was injured and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Units on scene: Santee Truck 4, Engine 5, Rescue 5, Medic 5, 4201, 4202, and 4203.  Lakeside units at scene were Engine 2, Engine 1, and 4106.

Aircraft Crash in Sycamore Preserve brings Multi-Agency Response

Sycamore Preserve-

On Saturday, December 29th, 2012, at 10:26 a.m., the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a call that an aircraft had crashed and was on a hillside above the Slaughterhouse Canyon area. A rescue response was dispatched which included three structural engines, a rescue company, and ALS medic unit, and a chief officer. While enroute to the call, crews received additional information from hikers who witnessed the crash and were able to give a detailed location of the plane. In addition, CALFIRE initiated a response to the incident.

Firefighters use ropes to secure the plane.

Both ASTREA, and Copter 10 arrived in the area and quickly located the plane. Crew members from the copter made foot access to the site and soon reported the grim findings that there were no survivors. They also reported that the plane was unstable and could slide further down into the canyon.

Firefighters work with staff from the Medical Examiners office to remove the victims.

Firefighters from Lakeside Engine 1 (Riverview Station), and Engine 2 (Riverpark Station) made access to the area and determined that Rescue 3 would be needed to secure the aircraft. Lakeside Division Chief Chuck Tockstein assumed incident commander and started coordinating with other agencies. With the assistance of two CALFIRE engine companies, Rescue 3 made access through the Sycamore Preserve.

Firefighters worked to secure the aircraft on the hillside with rope systems. Crew members used power tool to assist the Medical Examiner with the task of extricating the victims from the plane. At 3:30 p.m., crews had completed their operations and turned the scene over to the Sheriff's department.

Lakeside Fire was assisted by CALFIRE and the Santee Fire Department.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District
Photos By: Division Chief Chuck Tockstein, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Assist Santee with House Fire

 

Fire attack operations get underway.

Truck 4 crew performing roof operations.

 Santee, CA-

 Just before noon on Monday, September 17, 2012, Lakeside engine 1 and Medic 2 were dispatched to to a residential structure fire in Santee.  Division Chief 4106 from Lakeside Fire District was first on scene reporting a well-involved garage fire.  Santee units arrived on scene and coordinated ventilation and fire attack to quickly knock-down the fire while Lakeside and El Cajon units arrived to assist in stopping the fire from spreading through the attic of the home.  One civilian was assessed for injuries and released at scene.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Units on scene from Santee were engine 4, truck 4, rescue 5, and battalion 2.  Units from Lakeside were engine 1, medic 2, and engine 9 from El Cajon.

Motorcyclist Suffers Major Traumatic Injuries in Crash with a Bus

Pepper Drive Area-

On Sunday, August 19, 2012, at 3:52 p.m., the Lakeside Fire Protection District received calls about a motorcyclist that had collided with a bus in the area of North 2nd Street and Pepper Drive. Callers indicated that the victim might be trapped under the bus so a full "vehicle rescue" response was sent. This included a structural engine, a rescue company, an ALS medic unit, and a duty chief.

Firefighters from Lakeside and San Miguel work to stabilize the patient.

The driver on the motorcycle evidently lost control of the bike and slid under the front of a MTS bus that was stopped at a bus stop. First arriving units found the patient trapped under the front of the bus with airway compromise. The bus had lowered onto the patient crushing him.Firefighters re-inflated the air-bag suspension system on the bus allowing crews to remove the victim.

Flight crew members assist in preparing the victim for a flight to the trauma center.

The patient suffered from multiple life-threatening traumatic injuries. Due to the severity of the injuries the decision was made to fly the patient to Sharp Memorial Trauma via a Mercy Air medical helicopter.

Agencies that assisted included San Miguel, Santee, and Heartland Fire-Rescue. CHP is currently investigating the accident.

Story By: Firefighter-Paramedic Steve Russo, Lakeside Fire Protection District

Brush Fire Burns along Interstate 8

Glenview-

On Thursday, July 12, 2012, at 5:02 p.m., the Lakeside Fire District received multiple calls about a fire on the westbound side of Interstate 8 just east of the Los Coches Rd off-ramp. Callers reported that the fire was burning towards structures on Calle de Buena Fe. Initially dispatched were two brush type engines, two structural engines, an incident commander (Tockstein), and an ALS medic unit. Once the reports of "structures threatened" was received, an additional two structural engines were dispatched, two additional brush engines, and an additional staff officer.

View Incident Map 2012 in a larger map 

Arriving units found a fire burning on the north side of the interstate on the easement. About a half-acre of grass and medium brush had been consumed. Engines were sent to the interstate to attack the fire, while additional engines were sent to Calle de Buena Fe to perform structural protection.

Crews were able to stop the forward progress of the fire. There were no reports of structural damage. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Lakeside received assistance from CalFire, Alpine Fire, Santee Fire, Viejas Fire, and the San Miguel Fire District.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.com

Motorhome Consumed By Fire In Lakeside

Engine 1 upon first arrival.

Eucalyptus Hills-

At 9:11 a.m. on Saturday, June 9, 2012, Lakeside firefighters were dispatched to a large vehicle fire in the Eucalyptus Hills neighborhood. It was reported that a motor-home was completely engulfed in flames. A large column of black smoke could be seen from a distance. Engine 2 from the nearby River Park station, as well as Engine 1 and Division Chief 4106(Kirkpatrick) were dispatched to the emergency. While the crew of Engine 2 was stepping into full protective firefighting gear preparing to respond, a vehicle pulled up in front of the fire station. The driver stepped out and identified himself as a burn victim from the reported fire. The crew quickly switched gears and began to treat the burn victim. This was immediately reported to Heartland dispatch and an ambulance was started to Station 2 as well as an additional engine was assigned to the fire to replace Engine 2. Santee Engine 4 was added to the call.

Engine 1 Firefighter Shawn McKenna initiating fire attack.

Upon arrival to the fire, Lakeside Engine 1 reported a large motor-home fully involved in fire with the potential of flames spreading to nearby vegetation. Engine 1 crew quickly pulled an attack line and began the fire fight. Because of the large size of the vehicle and the amount of fire involvement, a water supply from the closest hydrant was requested immediately. Santee Engine 4 arrived at scene soon thereafter to lay a large diameter supply line from a hydrant down the street up the long driveway to Engine 1. Division Chief 4106 arrived to take over incident command. The fire was knocked back before it was able to get established in the vegetation surrounding the motor-home. With an adequate water supply secured, the fire was soon fully extinguished.

Engine 2 Captain John Hisaw, FF McKenna, and Reserve FF Zauss finish extinguishment.

After Engine 2 was able to turn the burn victim over to Medic 2 for transport to the hospital, they were able to respond to the fire scene to assist with overhaul. Incident support was provided by the Lakeside Logistics Volunteer Group. San Diego Sheriff arson investigators were called to the scene to determine the cause of the blaze which is still under investigation. The burn victim was transported to the UCSD Burn Center by Medic 2.

Crews were successful in keeping the fire from the surrounding vegetation.

View Incident Map 2012 in a larger map

Submitted By: Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire Captain
Photos By: Todd Welch, Lakeside Firefighter

Early Morning Fire Damages Garage

Lakeside, CA-

At 4:34 a.m., on the morning of May 4, 2012,  Lakeside firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire with multiple reports of smoke and fire in a multifamily residential complex on Summersun Lane . Responding from the Riverview fire station (fs1) just one block away, Engine 1 firefighters arrived just minutes later to face heavy fire coming from a garage unit with flames threatening the living space above it. San Diego Sheriff Deputies were on scene evacuating residents. Engine 1 initiated fire attack and was soon supported by personnel from Engine 2 and Medic 2 from the Riverpark fire station (fs2). San Miguel Engine 19 from their Bostonia fire station arrived next and was assigned to protect and check for fire extension in the adjoining living areas. Santee Engine 4 and Truck 4 from Cottonwood fire station 4 were right behind and they were put to work supporting the operation.

Lakeside Division Chief 4103 (Laff) took over Incident Command(IC) from Engine 1. El Cajon Battalion 3 (Snow) arrived to assume the role of Safety Officer. The fire was brought under control by the quick action of all fire personnel on scene. All fire units were on scene in less than ten minutes from the time of the initial dispatch. Fire damage was confined to the garage with minor smoke and water damage to the adjoining garage. Fire did not extend to any of the attached living areas.

The garage was a total loss.

Support Unit 4140 was requested by the IC to provide logistical support to the incident. Unit 4140, staffed by members of the newly established Lakeside Logistics Volunteer Group (LVG) arrived with cold water, coffee, and food for the firefighters, scene personnel, and the temporarily displaced residents.

Lakeside LVGs assist with incident support.

Members of the Sheriff Bomb/Arson unit were on scene to determine the origin. The cause of the fire is under investigation. SDG&E also responded personnel to secure the damaged gas and electric utilities. This incident is another example of the excellent cooperative efforts of multiple agencies to provide public safety to the citizens of Lakeside. Thank you to all who assisted.

Submitted by: Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire Captain
Photos by: Dennis Canfield, Lakeside LVG Member

Lakeside Firefighters respond to House Fire

Winter Gardens -  On Tuesday August 16, 2011 Lakeside Fire crews were dispatched along with crews from San Miguel, El Cajon, and Santee to the report of a structure fire on Vista Del Cajon in the Winter Gardens area.  The initial dispatch reported that there was heavy black smoke coming from under the residence.  When San Miguel Engine 19 arrived on scene their report on conditions confirmed there was smoke rolling out from under the building.  Lakeside Engine 1 and Medic 1, from the Riverview station, were next on scene and laid a 4 supply line up to E19, who was actively engaging the fire.

Crew Stretch a hoseline into the structure

El Cajon Engine 8 was close behind E1 and moved up to assist E19 with fire attack.  Soon after the arrival of the first three units came Lakeside Battalion 1, El Cajon Engine 9, Santee Truck 4 and Cal Fire unit 3352.  Crews on scene had to remove all of the skirting around the residence to attack the fire that was burning under the structure.

A San Miguel, Lakeside, and El Cajon Engine are lined up

After several minutes of removing siding and spraying water on the flames the fire was suppressed.  The fire was held to the underside of the structure and kept from extending into the residence.  Nobody was injured in the fire and the cause is under investigation.

The damage from the fire was primarily under the residence

Story and Photos by Engineer / Paramedic Bernie Molloy.