Lakeside Firefighters Battle Fire at Eastbound Neighborhood Grill

Lakeside, CA -

At 4:08 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2016, Lakeside Firefighters were alerted to a reported commercial structure fire in the 10000 block of Maine Avenue in the old downtown Lakeside business district. Engine 2 from the nearby River Park fire station was on scene in under five minutes reporting moderate smoke showing from the roof of the Eastbound Neighborhood Grill, a popular local bar and restaurant.

Lakeside Division 4103 (Hisaw) arrived simultaneously, assumed Maine Incident Command (IC), and began directing firefighting operations. With the quick arrival of subsequent companies, E2's crew stretched a hoseline to the smoky interior of the building to discover a well-advanced fire in the kitchen. It took firefighters around ten minutes to knock down the fire. An additional hoseline was stretched to the roof by the Truck 4 crew to extinguish fire that had also extended there. The quick response and aggressive operations limited fire damage to the kitchen. The rest of the occupancy did have some smoke and water damage.

Lakeside Firefighters would like to acknowledge our automatic-aid partners for their timely assistance in controlling this dangerous fire. Units attending this incident included: E1, E2, E3, M2, Div. 4103, Div. 4105, Chief 4101, Support 4140 (Lakeside); E4, T4 (Santee); E8, E9 (Heartland). Additionally, Heartland Engine 10 was moved to cover Lakeside Fire Station 2 during the incident. San Diego Sheriff's deputies also assisted.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Hoselines stretched off Engine 2.

The fire hydrant was close by.

Lakeside LVGs set up incident support near Santee Truck 4.

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

Lakeside Firefighters Extinguish Structure Fire

El Monte Valley -

Just after 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 4, 2016, Heartland Fire Communications received numerous reports of a fire on the northeast end of the El Monte Valley in Lakeside. Because of the remote nature of area, the initial report was for a vegetation fire. While enroute the incident, Lakeside Division 4105 (Molloy) was updated with additional information suggesting a probable structure fire. Chief Molloy added additional units to the response and arrived on scene reporting a large outbuilding well-involved with fire extending to the surrounding vegetation. Lakeside Engine 3 (Lake Jennings) arrived and quickly stretched a handline to attack the fire. Engines 2 (River Park) and 26 (Blossom Valley) also arrived and assisted.

In this area of the fire district there is no municipal water system (and therefore, no fire hydrants). In order to ensure an adequate water supply for firefighting operations, the district water tender (WT7251) is automatically dispatched as part of any fire response in this area. The total amount of water delivered to the scene with the initial response to this fire exceeded 3000 gallons.

The fire was quickly knocked down and extension was limited to a small area of vegetation. Additional responding resources included: E4, Br4 (Santee); Division 4103, Chief 4101, M3 (Lakeside). Also assisting were several San Diego Sheriff Deputies. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Smoke was visible from a distance.

Lakeside Fire Captain Chris Downing directs the fire attack.

Probationary Firefighter-Paramedic Ernie Flint on the nozzle.

Lakeside Captain Wes Barnes helps with overhaul.

Lakeside Fire Engineers Lance Buford (r) and Jamie Hazlewood put together the water supply plan.

Post and Photos By: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Morning Fire Destroys Mobile Home

 Lakeside, CA -

On the morning of January 10, 2015, Lakeside Firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire at Gray Buckner’s Mobile Lodge on Woodside Avenue. The response included 4 structural fire engines, 1 truck company, 1 ambulance staffed with firefighter/paramedics, and a chief officer.

Engine 1 was on scene in under four minutes.

Engine 1 (Riverview Station) arrived to find the mobile home fully involved. After establishing a lengthy supply line from the nearest fire hydrant, crews attacked the fire with hand lines and were able to bring it under control in about 20 minutes. Overhaul of the fire was put on hold while deputies from the SDSO Bomb/Arson unit conducted an investigation of the origin and cause.

Captain Wes Barnes performs an assessment as the attack line is stretched.

Lakeside units were assisted by the Santee Fire Department, the San Miguel Fire Protection District and members of our very own Logistics Volunteer Group. In addition, volunteers from the Red Cross responded to provide the displaced occupant with temporary housing and basic necessities. Fortunately, no one was injured.

FF-PM Chris Williams protects the "D-side" exposure.

FF-PM Chris Williams gets a quick knock-down.

Supply line was laid from a hydrant several hundred feet away.

Story by Chief Jim Kirkpatrick

Photos by Captain John Hisaw

Two Alarm Fire in Lakeside Brings a Multi-Agency Response

Lakeside, CA,

On Friday, January 2, 2015, at 10:52 a.m., the Lakeside Fire District received a report of a residential structure fire in the 9100 block of Single Oak Drive. The initial alarm sent four structural engines, one truck company, an ALS medic unit, and a chief officer to the fire.

Responding firefighters quickly knew they had a working fire as a black column of smoke could be seen in the area. With the arrival of Engine One (Riverview Station), they discovered a well established fire in an attached garage area with what appeared to be extension into the attic of the home. Firefighters entered the home to attack the fire and cut off the extension of the fire into the home.

While there was heavy damage to the garage area, crews were able to save the residential portion of the home.

Crews were met with heavy fire conditions as crews took action to get control of the fire. Some crew members were sent to the roof while others worked from the interior to cut off the fire's progress. A second alarm was requested by the incident commander (Lakeside Division Chief Tockstein) as all hands from the first alarm were committed.

With a sustained effort from firefighters from multiple agencies the mid-morning fire was brought under control.

Assisting Lakeside were crews from Santee, San Miguel Fire District, Barona, and Heartland Fire & Rescue.

Crews remained on scene late into the afternoon checking for hot spots.

Submitted By: Mark Grow, Social Media Contributor

Plumbing Repairs Starts Structure Fire in Johnstown

Lakeside, CA -

On December 11, 2014, at 2:40 p.m., the Heartland Communications Center received an emergency phone call from a resident in the 8500 block of Cordial Rd. The caller stated that a wall was on fire in the home after some plumbing repairs had been undertaken. The initial response sent four structural engines, one truck company, an ALS medic unit, and two chief officers to the afternoon fire.

With the arrival of Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station), firefighters discovered a home quickly filling with smoke. They determined that the fire had moved up the wall and was now burning in the attic. Crews started the tedious job of quickly removing dry wall to get to the underlying fire. Crews also accessed the attic area to cutoff the progression of the fire.

The fire was brought under control in 17 minutes and did extensive damage to two rooms. Fortunately, the occupants had vacated the structure without injury.

A total of 10 Lakeside firefighters responded to the incident assisted by units from Heartland Fire & Rescue, Alpine Fire Protection District, and the Santee Fire Department. The Lakeside Logistics Volunteer Group responded to the incident and provided essential support to the crews.

Mark Grow, Social Media Coordinator, Lakeside Fire Protection District

Fully-Involved Motorhome Brings Full Response in Lakeside

Lakeside, CA -

A motorhome on fire next to an occupied residence required a full structure fire resource response in the Glenview area of the Lakeside Fire District on Sunday, October 12, 2014. Initially dispatched as a large vehicle fire (two engines and a duty chief), Heartland Fire Communications dispatchers quickly upgraded the incident to a structure fire resource assignment (four engines, one truck, one medic, two chiefs) as additional calls and information were received.

Lakeside Engine 3 (Lake Jennings fire station) was on scene in just over six minutes reporting heavy smoke showing from the rear of a single-family residence. Engine 3 Captain Wes Barnes assumed Incident Command (IC) and ordered multiple hoselines to be stretched to protect the adjacent homes and attack the fully-involved motorhome in the backyard. The rapid response coupled with the aggressive actions of the first-in companies confined the fire to motorhome and kept the fire from extending to nearby homes.

Lakeside Fire would like to acknowledge our automatic-aid partners for their timely assistance in fighting this dangerous fire. Assisting agencies attending this incident included: E4, T4 (Santee); E8 (Heartland Fire-Rescue); Chief 4801 (Barona). Lakeside unit response included : E3, E1, OES305, M2, Div.4105, Div.4104, Chief 4101. San Diego Sheriff's deputies also assisted.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Firefighter-Paramedic Josh Raczka mops-up the motorhome.

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District.

Late night structure fire on Olde Hwy 80

Just after midnight on July 30, 2014, crews from the Lakeside, El Cajon, and Santee Fire Departments where dispatched to a reported structure fire on Olde Hwy 80 near Pecan Park.  Heavy smoke could be seen from the top of Lake Jennings Park Road.  Engine 3 from the Lake Jennings fire station was the first engine on scene and reported heavy smoke and fire coming from a detached garage.  The fire was quickly knocked down by first arriving units and there was no spread into the vegetation.  Crews were committed a short time to overhaul the building and check for fire extension through the walls.  The cause of the fire is being looked into.

Units that responded to this where Lakeside engine 2, engine 3, engine 26, Medic 3, chief 4104, and chief 4101.  We also had assistance from El Cajon engine 8 and Santee truck 4. 

Jet Ski Fire Sends One to Burn Center

Johnstown-

On Wednesday, May 28, 2014, at 2:41 p.m. the Heartland Communications Center received a 911 call about a jet ski on fire in the garage of a residence in the 9300 block of Ashley View Pl. A full structural response was initiated that sent three engine companies, one truck company, an ALS medic unit, and a staff officer to the incident.

On the arrival of Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station), firefighters observed smoke showing from the attached garage of a residential structure. After securing a water supply from a nearby hydrant, crews advanced an attack line into the garage. It was quickly discovered that the fire was isolated to a jet ski. The fire was quickly controlled with a preconnected handline off of E3.

Fire damage to the jet ski was extensive.

Fire crews then discovered that an occupant had suffered flash burns to his upper body. After assessing the injuries the juvenile was transported to the UCSD Burn Center for further evaluation and treatment. The injuries are considered non-life threatening.

Firefighters overhauled the fire and checked for extension into the structure. No structural damage was discovered.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Wes Barnes, Lakeside Fire Protection District

View 2014 Incident Map in a larger map

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

Fire in Apartment Complex Brings Full Response

Lakeside, CA -

A strong smell of smoke prompted a Lakeside resident to call for the fire department early on the morning of March 28, 2014. Lakeside Firefighters were alerted at their stations at 3:47 a.m. for a possible fire in a large apartment complex on Ashwood Street. Lakeside Engines 1 (Riverview) and 2 (River Park) arrived in just under six minutes to find moderate smoke pushing from an outside electrical utility room. Firefighters established a water supply from a nearby fire hydrant and pulled attack lines for fire control. Residents from two adjacent apartments were quickly evacuated as firefighters opened up interior walls to search for the hidden fire. The fire was located in a wall behind the exterior water heater closet and was extinguished with a handline off of Engine 1. The rapid response coupled with quick actions kept this fire from extending into the adjacent occupied dwellings.

Units attending this incident included: E1, E2, M2, D4104 (Lakeside); E4, T4 (Santee); E19 (San Miguel). Lakeside would like to acknowledge the help of our automatic-aid partners in assisting on this incident. S.D. Sheriff's deputies also assisted with evacuations.

Engine 1 on scene.

The fire was in the wall here.

Attack line at the apartment door.

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

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

Central Zone Assists with Structure Fire in Descanso

Descanso-

On Tuesday, January 7th, 2014 at 2:09 a.m., the Heartland Communications Center received a call to assist the San Diego County Fire Authority with a structure fire in the 25100 block of Manzanita Ln in the Descanso area. Dispatched was Engine 25 from the Viejas Fire Department, and Rescue 3 from the Lakeside Fire Protection District.

Smoke pours from the front of the structure.

Arriving Fire Authority units reported a two story structure with significant involvement in fire. Crews quickly located the occupant and rendered medical assistance. With the arrival of more engine companies crews made an interior attack on the fire and continued to search for other occupants.

Fortunately the sole occupant had exited the structure, along with his dogs. Crews now faced an extended overhaul situation with significant fire loading in the all wood structure. Additional companies were requested  to respond to assist. The occupant was evaluated by AMR medics and transported to a local hospital.

Investigation of the fire will be handled by the San Diego County Fire Authority.

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

 

View 2014 Incident Mapt in a larger map

Alpine Structure Fire Brings Multi-Agency Response

Alpine-

On the morning of December 24th, 2013 at 8:15 a.m., a commuter on the interstate noticed a large amount of smoke in the area of western Alpine. A call was made to 911 and an Alpine engine company was dispatched to find the source of the smoke. As crews accessed the area it was obvious this was a working structure fire in the 400 blk of Arnold Way. A request was made to upgrade the call which brought a response from Lakeside, Viejas, San Miguel, CalFire, and the USFS.

Alpine crews prepare to make entry into the structure.

A total five engine companies, one truck company, one ALS medic unit, and three chief officers were dispatched to the incident..

As Alpine crews pulled hose lines they were met with a well advancing interior fire that had already spread to the attic space. Lakeside crews went to the roof and performed ventilation, while other crews pulled additional line to back-up the Alpine crew.

Firefighter Brent Watte, and Fire Engineer Nate Fox cut back roofing material looking for hidden fire.

Crews conducted an immediate search and fortunately found no occupants in the structure. It was later learned that the occupant was not at home and was contacted at another location.

Fire Engineer Shaun McKenna coordinates with ground crews to make sure no material from the roof is dropped on interior crews.

Crews continued the task of salvage and overhaul well into the late morning hours. These fires are fine examples of the automatic aid agreements that bring the closest resources to the scene.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

 

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

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

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

Multi-Agency Response Stops a Fire Before it Starts

Pepper Drive Area -

A heads-up homeowner and some old fashioned detective work prevented a dangerous attic fire from erupting in Lakeside on April 27, 2013. A strong smell of smoke in his home prompted the homeowner to seek the help of the fire department in locating the source. Heartland Fire Communications dispatched a full first-alarm structure assignment bringing E1, E3, M2, Division 4103 (Lakeside); E8, E9 (El Cajon); T4 (Santee); and Chief 4801 (Barona) to the scene.

Firefighters systematically checked the two-story home and eventually located the source of the smoke in a corner of the second-story attic space. Once located, the small, smoldering fire was accessed by cutting a hole in the roof and applying water from a preconnected hoseline. Although a small amount of damage was warranted, the detection and extinguishment of this small fire prevented a potentially devastating attic fire.

This response characterizes the excellent interagency cooperation and seamless emergency response that we enjoy in east county. As always, Lakeside would like to thank our auto-aid partners for their timely assistance and excellent work on this call.

Firefighters go to work on the roof.

Santee Truck 4 Captain John Sengebusch and Firefighter-paramedic Clint Pusey accessing the fire.

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

Structure Fire in Blossom Valley brings Multi-Agency Response

Blossom Valley-

On Tuesday, March 12th 2013 at 11:32 PM, the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a call about a fire in a detached garage in the 10000 blk of Silva Rd in the Blossom Valley area. The reporting party stated that an RV in the structure was possibly on fire. Four structural engines, a truck company, and ALS medic unit, and two duty chiefs were assigned to the call.

Crews attack the fire inside of the RV.

On the arrival of Engine 26 (Blossom Valley Station) they found a large detached garage with heavy smoke conditions on the interior. With the arrival of Engine 17 (Alpine Fire) crews accessed the interior and found smoke conditions down to the floor. Interior crews were able to open up the doors to decrease smoke conditions, they then discovered the fire was isolated to the interior of the vehicle. Fortunately the fire had not extended to the structure.

Lakeside Fire was assisted by Alpine and Viejas Fire. Cause is currently under investigation.

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map  

Photo By: Fire Engineer-Paramedic Rich Smith, Lakeside Fire District
Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Early Morning Fire Displaces Family

Lakeside:

On February 22, 2013, firefighters responded to an early morning report of a residential structure fire in the 10000 block of River Street in Lakeside. Lakeside Engine 2, which was the closest unit to the fire, reported smoke showing from their station as they were responding to the incident. Firefighters immediately knew there would be a substantial fire given that smoke was visible from this far away. When E2 arrived a few minutes later they reported they were on scene at a single family occupancy with heavy smoke and fire showing from the front of the building.

The structure after the main fire had been contained

Lakeside E1 and M2 arrived just behind E2 and assisted pulling off hoselines to begin a rapid attack on the fire. Additional resources begin arriving at the scene to assist in the fire attack, including El Cajon Battalion 3, Santee Engine 4, Santee Truck 4 and Lakeside Engine 3 and Lakeside Battalion 1.  This incident, like all other incidents in east county, received the closest units to the address at the time of the fire.  

Hoselines entering through the window

When a fire is dispatched at this time of the morning fire crews primary concern is that there maybe occupants in in the home.  Overnight fires tend to catch residents asleep in their beds so their reaction is slower to the fire, especially if there are no smoke detectors in the home.  When crews arrived at this fire  the first priority was rescuing any occupation that may be home. At this fire, however, there was so much fire coming from the building that it had to be knocked down before crews could make entry.  Once inside the structure teams were able to conduct a primary search for people in the building. The SDSO was  on scene by this point and had tied-in with the Incident commander to confirm that the family had been accounted for and was out of the structure. Unfortunately, a family pet did succumb to the fire.

The extent of the burning can be seen in this picture

The progress of the fire was stopped quickly after the engine companies arrived on scene but there was extensive damage done to the structure. Due to the lath and plaster construction of this occupancy there was expensive overhaul involved in making sure that all of the hidden fires within the structure were put out.  

The cause of the fire, as reported by several media outlets, was a space heater in one of the front bedroom of the home.  This fire displaced one family and a family pet died in the blaze.  One of the residents of the home was transported to an area hospital for assessment.

The structure after all overhaul was completed

Photos and Story By: Captain Bernie Molloy

Media coverage of the incident with fire footage: