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

Sterling Fire Threatens area Structures

Glenview-

On Wednesday, May 14, 2014, at 4:59 p.m. the Heartland Communications Center received a report of a vegetation fire in the area of the 12900 block of Highway 8 Business in the Glenview area. Given the severe weather conditions, a high wildland response was dispatched which sends multiple resources to the fire.

Fire jumps Highway 8 Business and starts it's uphill run towards homes. (Photo By: Ken Kremensky, Barona FD)

On the arrival of Lakeside Division Chief Chuck Tockstein, he found a fire on the south side of the highway making a run towards the north. Within minutes the fire had jumped Highway 8 Business and was making an uphill run towards multiple homes in the Sterling Drive and Jackson Hill Drive areas. An immediate request was placed for a strike team of engines to respond to those areas and take up structural defense positions.

Fire approaches homes off Sterling Drive. (Photo By: Ken Kremensky, Barona FD)

An engine from Heartland Fire & Rescue takes up a position on a structure on Sterling Drive. (Photo By: Todd Welch, Lakeside FD)

Firefighters took up positions to start hose lays to cut off further extension of the fire. But in the midst of the fire attack there was a wind change which now sent the fire towards homes in the 13000 block of Highway 8 Business. Another strike team was requested and took up structural defense positions in a nearby mobile home park.

Lakeside Brush 201 arrives at the Sterling Fire. (Photo By: Nathan Price)

Lakeside crews putting in a hose lay on the eastern flank. (Photo By: Todd Welch, Lakeside FD)

Due to multiple campaign fires in the San Diego County area there was no air assets or hand crews available to assist.

Crews continued to advance hose lays around the fire and at 6:57 p.m. the Incident Commander declared that the forward progress of the fire had been stopped. Although the active burning had stopped, firefighters now faced the task of an extensive overhaul. A number of crews spent the night on the line overhauling hot spots and patrolling the fire area.

A firefighter in the "green" as the fire front approaches. (Photo By: Todd Welch, Lakeside FD)

Overhaul extended well throughout the daylight hours the next day. Crews continued to overhaul hot spots and remove trees that had created a hazard. The Lakeside Logistic Volunteers provided fire support throughout the incident.

This burn pattern is know by firefighters as "Moonscaping." It's when everything in the fire's path is consumed. This is normally seen in August, not May.

During this incident Lakeside Fire received assistance from:

• Barona Fire
• Alpine Fire
• Heartland Fire & Rescue
• Santee Fire
• Sycuan Fire
• Bonita Fire
• Viejas Fire
• USFS
• Lakeside LVG's
• San Diego Sheriff Department
• California Highway Patrol

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District.
Photos Provided By: Fire Chief Ken Kremensky, Barona Fire Department and Todd Welch, Lakeside Fire Protection District, Nathan Price
Video By: Bill Prorok

View 2014 Incident Map in a larger map

Lakeside Fire Crews Kept Busy with Multiple Vegetation Fires

Lakeside, CA -

Lakeside fire crews had an unusually busy day on Wednesday, May 7, 2014, when a rash of vegetation fires occurred in the Glenview area of Lakeside.

At 4:46 p.m., firefighters responded to a vegetation fire in the creek bed in the area of Los Coches Rd and Via Diego. The fire burned out a swath of heavy fuel on the west side of Los Coches Rd and skirted behind the homes located on Calle Lucia. Crews were able to quickly control the flames with no damage to nearby structures.

At 8:26 p.m., crews received a call for another vegetation fire on the east side of Los Coches Rd near Via Diego. Firefighters worked their way into the area to discover a new fire area with a nearby spot fire. Fire managers requested additional assistance which brought units from CalFire, Alpine Fire, and Sycuan Fire. Fortunately, crews were able to quickly control the fire without local damage.

Then, at 6:21 a.m., on Thursday morning, crews received a report of another fire in the creek area off of the 13700 block of Highway 8 Business. Due to the damp morning conditions the fire was held to a small spot and was quickly controlled.

An early morning fire smolders in the moist air. Under different conditions this fire could have been much worse.

All the fires are currently under investigation and while no connection has been established between the three fires, local residents are always asked to be vigilant in reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District.
Photo By: Fire Captain Eric Stamm, Lakeside Fire District

Vegetation Fire in the Los Coches Creek

Lakeside, CA -

On Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at 4:47 p.m., the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a 911 report of a vegetation fire in the Los Coches Creek area near Los Coches Road and Via Diego. A wildland response to was sent to the incident which included one brush engine, two structural engines, an ALS medic unit, a water tender, and a chief officer.



While units were still responding to the fire, additional calls were received stating that there was a fire burning in the heavy fuels in the creek bottom. As Engine 2 turned onto Los Coches Road, they could see the smoke rising in the area.

With the arrival of Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Station) they reported a 100'x 100' area on fire. A hose line was extended into the area and the fire was quickly knocked down. Due to the nature of the heavy fuels, firefighters faced an extensive overhaul operation as many hotspots remained. Crews remained on-scene for over an hour to make sure that no ignition sources remained.

A total of 13 Lakeside Fire personnel responded to the fire. The cause is currently under investigation. No structures were threatened by this fire.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District
Video By: Bill Prorok

View 2014 Incident Map in a larger map

Early Morning Fire brings Immediate Structure Threat

El Monte Valley-

On Thursday, May 1, 2014, at 6:51 a.m. the Heartland Communications Center received multiple calls about an explosion and brush fire in the area of El Monte Road and Lake Jennings Park Rd. At the time of the call, the Lakeside area was experiencing the third day of significant Santa Ana wind conditions. An augmented initial response was dispatched that sent two brush engines, three structural engines, a water tender, an ALS medic unit, and two chief officers. Simultaneously, CalFire sent multiple companies to the fire.

Lakeside Fire crews start laying hose on the flank of the fire.

Crews knocking down hotspots in advance of the hose lay.

Responding units could soon see a large loom up of smoke in the area. Soon a wave of 911 emergency calls were received reporting that the structures on Laurel Canyon Road and Vista Laurel Place were being threatened by the fire. An "initial attack" strike team (5 engines and a chief officer) was requested to provide structural defense.

Arriving crews found a well established wind-driven fire that was pushing toward residential structures. Firefighters took up positions on the flank of the fire and on structures in the fire's path. Due to the fierce winds, a number of embers were blown into the housing tract starting a number of small spot fires. Crews assigned to structural defense quickly knocked down those spot fires. There was some minor infrastructure damage to fences in the area; however, there was no direct damage to the exposed structures.

Baptism by Fire: The new Engine 3 takes up a position with Brush 1 on the El Monte Valley side of the fire. 

Crews were able to contain the fire at 4 acres. The Lakeside Fire District was in unified command with CalFire. Assistance was provided to Lakeside from CalFire, Santee Fire, and Alpine Fire.

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

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Fire Crews Tackle Vegetation Fire in the San Diego River Bottom

Lakeside, CA-

On Monday, April 21, 2014, at 8:16 p.m. the Heartland Communications Center received multiple 911 calls about a vegetation fire burning in the San Diego River Bottom just east of the Highway 67 bridge. While units were still responding additional emergency calls indicated the fire was in the heavy fuel producing 20 foot flames. In addition to Lakeside Fire units, CalFire initiated a response to assist with the fire.

Fire crews working an attack line back to the fire area.

Fire burning in the heavy fuels of the San Diego River.

With the arrival of Engine 2 and Medic 2 (River Park Station), firefighters could see a fire burning in a remote location. Crews evaluated a number of locations to initiate the fire attack but eventually decided to advance an attack line from an area near the Highway 67 bridge. The effort required a hose lay that exceeded 1000 feet, but crews were able to knock down the fire and cut a fire line around the area.

Due to the heavy fuel, firefighters had extensive mop-up.

Currently the fire is under investigation. Crews from Lakeside and CalFire responded to the incident.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire 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.

"Valley" and "Dunbar" Incidents

Shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2013, firefighters from multiple agencies were dispatched to reports of a vegetation fire along eastbound Interstate 8 just east of Greenfield Drive.  Initial reports stated the fire was about 1 acre in size  with a slow rate of spread.  Minutes later the fire grew rapidly as the wind picked up and pushed it up the hill toward homes on Lotus Ln.  Firefighters quickly responded to the area to defend homes.  Along with the air support from the firefighting helicopters and the quick deployment of fire crews into the area, no homes were lost and no one was hurt.  Firefighters worked well into the night to contain the fire and several fire crews remained on scene overnight to monitor the area.  The fire was estimated to be about 30 acres and the cause is still under investigation.

At the same time the Valley fire was being dispatched, another fire was reported along the right shoulder of eastbound Interstate 8 just before Dunbar Ln.  Multiple agencies were dispatched to this location at the same time as the Valley fire.  Both incidents shared the air resources and had quick action from ground crews to stop the forward progress and contain the fires without injuries or homes being lost.  The size of the Dunbar incident is unknown and is also under investigation.

Units from the Lakeside Fire Protection District on these incidents were Engine 2, Engine 3, Engine 26, Brush 1, Water Tender 7251, and Chiefs 4101, 4103, and 4105.

Other agencies were Cal Fire, El Cajon, Santee, U.S. Forest Service, Alpine, and Barona Fire.

Story and Photos By: Engineer Matt Buzzell

Lakeside Assists Cal Fire in Alpine

Alpine-

On Saturday, September 14th, 2013 at 3:49 pm, the Lakeside Fire District was dispatched to the 1100 blk of Alpine Blvd to assist Cal Fire with a vegetation fire. Other Central Zone agencies assigned to the fire were Alpine Fire District, Viejas Fire Department, and Heartland Fire & Rescue. Cal Fire had initiated a high wildland response with multiple engines, and air resources, assigned to the fire.

Lakeside Firefighter Bing Tom pulls a line on the western flank of the fire.

Reports indicated a fire burning between Alpine Blvd and the eastbound lanes of Interstate 8. Additional callers indicated that the fire may have spread to the center divider.

Crew from Brush 17 push a hose lay towards the freeway.

Firefighting efforts resulted in a short closure of Interstate 8.

With the arrival of Brush 17 (Alpine Fire) they located a quarter acre fire burning from Alpine Blvd to the interstate above. With the arrival of two engines from Lakeside (Engine 26 and Engine 3) they were assigned to the interstate side of the fire and started hose lays on the flanks of the fire. Brush 25 (Viejas Fire) and Cal Fire units arrived shortly and the fire was quickly contained.

Cal Fire is investigating the fire. A total of two brush engines, three structural engines, and two duty chiefs responded from the Central Zone.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

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

Lakeside Fire Working Vegetation Fire near Los Coches and Interstate 8

Lakeside:

At approximately 11:17 on August 17, 2013 Lakeside Units along with Units from CalFire and Heartland Fire are in the process of working a vegetation fire in the area of Los Coches Rd. and Interstate 8.  The fire is located on the south side of the freeway and moving into the areas of La Cresta Rd.  Residents in the area should be aware that there will be a large number of fire suppression vehicles on the streets in this area.

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map


To listen to the radio traffic from the fire you can hear it here:

http://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/9733/web


More updates will be posted as information becomes available.

UPDATE:

The forward progress of the fire has been stopped.  There will be extensive mop up operations continuing for several hours.

Firefighters Jump on "Anderson Hill" Vegetation Fire

Lakeside-

On Wednesday, August 7th, 2013 at 2:37 PM, the Lakeside Fire Protection District received 911 calls about a vegetation fire in the 12300 block of Lakeside Avenue. The fire was established at the base of "Anderson Hill" on the south facing slope. One brush engine, two structural engines, a water tender, ALS medic unit, and two Lakeside staff officers were sent to the fire.

Fire burning uphill from Lakeside Ave.

On the arrival of fire units from the nearby River Park Fire Station they discovered a fire burning in light grassy fuels. Crews quickly surrounded the fire and control was established at 2:46 PM. The fire burned less than an acre.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. A total of 8 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District
Photo By: Fire Chief Andy Parr, Lakeside Fire Protection District

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Mountain Fire: Central Zone Strike Team in a Tough Fight

San Bernardino National Forest-

On July 15th, 2013, at 1:43 PM, a wildfire in the community of Mountain Center ignited in the area of Highway 243. The fire quickly spreads in light fuels where it eventually jumps the highway and spreads into the steep foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains. On that first day the fire grew from an initial 5 acres to an astounding 4,700 acres. Fire equipment from throughout the Southland was quickly mobilized to control this blaze that was now burning in pristine forest land.

The Mountain Fire on the first day photographed from Hemet. The circle of lights above the fire is an air attack plane coordinating night helicopter drops.

In the predawn hours of July 16th the Heartland Communications Center received a request to dispatch a strike team of brush engines to the fire. Apparatus from Lakeside, Santee, Barona, Alpine, and Viejas quickly assembled and started the northward trek to Riverside County.

Upon arriving at the fire the crew was committed to an 8000' hose lay in Coldwater Canyon. Control of the fire in the area is essential to keep it from burning towards the community of Idyllwild. Crews were working in extreme terrain with ambient temperatures in the mid-90's.  This assignment would occupy the bulk of there first 24 hours on the fire line.

The Mountain Fire makes a hard run upslope near the community of Garner Valley.

The fire is burning in heavy fuels in steep conditions east of the community of Garner Valley.

As of this posting the fire is approaching 15,000 acres, and has spread towards the community of Palm Springs. Unfortunately dwellings have been lost in the early hours of the fire, but crews have managed to safely evacuate multiple camps in the area.

An engine company from Corona stages near Palm Canyon in Palm Springs. Temperatures on this day were near 107 degrees with poor air quality. 

Fire burns in Andreas Canyon near Palm Canyon. Palm Springs is coated in a layer of ash falling like snow.

Palm Springs spent most of the day in darkness under the smoke column.

Strike Team 6440c could be committed to this incident for 14 days, but that will depend on the ability to control this fire burning in irreplaceable forest.

The video below is raw footage of the fire. It's provided to give our readers an opportunity to see the conditions firefighters are dealing with. It tends to be a little long so feel free to "fast forward" through some of the coverage.

We will update you as information becomes available. Tonight we have received information that Idyllwild is to be evacuated. The fire has grown to about 20,000 acres.

7/18/13 Update: The strike team has been assigned to Branch I, Division D. This is the perimeter area south of the town of Idyllwild. The crew will continue containment/mop-up operations. The strike team is working with hand crews that are cutting line between the fire and the town.

The bulk of the fire appears to have moved into the high country around the San Jacinto Wilderness. Some fire continues to work it's way down towards the desert floor.

Fire on the ridge line above Palm Springs. Fire planners have crews in the area should the fire make a downhill run.

USFS has an information booth on Palm Canyon to keep locals informed.

7/19/13 Update: Strike Team 6440C was not utilized today as the fire has moved to the high country above the Idyllwild area. Evacuation orders were issued in Idyllwild yesterday, and the community of Pine Cove is on a "evacuation stand-by." Containment of the fire is about 15%. Captain Scott Culkin reports all is well with the strike team members. Current fire size is 27,179 acres.

Strike Team 6440C staged at base camp today. (Photo By: Engineer Chris Downing)

Incident Map (Photo By: Captain Scott Culkin)

Example of the beautiful forest that is being consumed by this fire. (Photo By: Probationary Firefighter Corey Palmore)

Brush 1 working on the division assignment. (Photo By: Probationary Firefighter Corey Palmore)

DC-10 on it's final approach over 6440C's division. (Photo By: Probationary Firefighter Corey Palmore)

Lakeside Fire Captain Scott Culkin looks over some of the devastation of the Mountain Fire.
 (Photo By: Probationary Firefighter Corey Palmore)

Mountain Fire from the staging area. (Photo By: Probationary Firefighter Corey Palmore)

Members of Strike Team 6440C (Photo By: Probationary Firefighter Corey Palmore)

Mountain Fire on the evening of July 19th. (http://hpwren.ucsd.edu/cameras/L/tp-w-mobo-c.jpg)

7/20/13 Update: Strike Team 6440C has been assigned to Branch III, Division V. For the next 24 hours they will be supporting line construction as containment efforts continue. 

7/21/13 Update: Strike Team 6440C completed their 24 hours on Division V. At about 4:00 AM the strike team was pulled back off of the division due to lightning and heavy rains. Currently the crews are resting in anticipation of demobilization and returning home.

Strike Team 6440C at base camp after a night of lightning and rain.

 

Video and Photography By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District
Photography By: Fire Captain Scott Culkin, Fire Engineer Chris Downing, Probationary Firefighter-Paramedic Corey Palmore.