Lakeside Fire Fighters are "Passionately Pink" for the Cure

Lakeside, Ca -

Lakeside Fire Fighters Association, Local 4488, International Association of Fire Fighters, in conjunction with the Lakeside Fire Protection District are going "Passionately Pink" for the cure. During the month of October, Lakeside firefighters will be wearing specially designed "Pink for the Cure" duty t-shirts to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research.

The Fire Fighters' Association has committed $1000 toward this worthwhile annual fundraiser. If you would like to make a donation, please visit Lakeside Fire Fighters fundraising page HERE.

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Shirt Design by: Firefighter-Paramedic Steve Russo, Lakeside Fire District

"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

Citizens of Lakeside Donate over $4,000 to the MDA

Lakeside, Ca -

On the morning of Wednesday, September 25, 2013, Lakeside Firefighters were out in force collecting money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  Fire crews along with off duty personnel were deployed around the community doing the Fill the Boot for the MDA event. The MDA has had a close relationship with the fire service since they started working together in 1954.  This partnership has raised over $275 million dollars (nationally) over its almost 60-year history.  The Lakeside Fire Protection District is happy to contribute to this cause and our citizens have proven that they love to help as well.

A little Lakeside resident learning early to donate to those in need

Lakeside firefighters were able to raise $4,044.74 thanks to the help of the community.  As we always see when we host these kinds of fund raisers, the citizens of Lakeside are incredibly generous.  To be able to raise over  $4,000 in just two and half hours shows how charitable this community is; and for that the Lakeside Fire Protection District and the MDA thank you!

Engineer Smith and FF/PM Watte jump on the bus

FF/PM Poynter with some admiring fans

Captain Culkin filling his boot and his caffeine quota for the day

Engineer Vasquez and Captain Molloy Filling the boot

Photos by: Lindsay Southall Fundraising Coordinator Muscular Dystrophy Association - San Diego & Imperial Counties

Story by: Captain Bernie Molloy

County Proclaims "Lakeside Fire Protection District Day"

San Diego, CA - 

On September 24, 2013, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors issued a special proclamation honoring the Lakeside Fire Protection District and recognizing its 50th anniversary.

Presented by Vice-Chair Dianne Jacob, the proclamation emphasizes that "the record of the Lakeside Fire Protection District public service, emergency medical service, and fire protection is one to be praised and respected."

Commending the entire organization for its 50 years of outstanding service, the proclamation declared the 24th day of September 2013 to be "Lakeside Fire Protection District Day" throughout San Diego County.

While humbled by the recognition offered by the Board of Supervisors, the men and women of your district continue to strive to provide the best possible service to our community.

Supervisor Dianne Jacob, Fire Chief Andy Parr, President Susan Conniry, and Director Jon Lorenz after the presentation of the Proclamation

Submitted By: Division Chief Jim Kirkpatrick, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside CERT Training

Lakeside, CA -

Disaster preparation and response classes will be held here in Lakeside beginning on Saturday, October 5, 2013. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact the Lakeside area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

Students learn about fire safety.

Lakeside currently has over 150 CERT members who have completed this training. They benefit by feeling more secure with the knowledge that they are better prepared for and know exactly what to do when the next large scale event impacts their community. If you would like to learn more about disaster preparedness please visit the Lakeside Fire website at http://www.lakesidefire.net and click on the CERT link to submit an interest form. You must be 18 years or older or of high school age and attending the training with a parent or guardian.

Knowing just what to do is all important following a disaster.

Submitted by: Lakeside Fire Captain Chuck Palmore, CERT program manager

Lakeside Firefighters Participate in Lindo Lake Park Clean-Up

 Lakeside, CA -

On Saturday, September 21, 2013, the Lakeside Firefighters participated in the 29th annual California Coastal Cleanup Day at Lindo Lake Park. The clean-up and beautification efforts concentrated in areas around Lindo Lake, Cactus Park, and other areas around the county. A combination of both on and off duty Lakeside Firefighters teamed up with local volunteers and park personnel to plant oak trees around the north perimeter of the lake

Submitted By: Firefighter-Paramedic Jamie Hazlewood, Lakeside Fire Protection District

Semi Truck Fire Closes Off Ramp

Glenview-

On Thursday, September 19, 2013, at 1:45 p.m., the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a call about a semi-truck fire in the area of Interstate 8 (westbound) at Los Coches Road. Initially dispatched were two structural engines and a chief officer.

Firefighter-Paramedic Eric Stamm calls for water. The fire would require about 300 gallons to fully extinguish the flames.

Upon departing the Lake Jennings Fire Station, firefighters could see a building column of smoke in the area. Crews requested CHP in anticipation that traffic may be affected by the fire.

Drivers patiently wait till the road could be re-opened.

On arrival of Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station), firefighters discovered a flat-bed semi truck with the rear wheels on fire. The truck driver originally stopped on the freeway but was worried the fire might spread to the vegetation so he continued down the off-ramp until he was clear of the brush. Firefighters pulled attack lines and started the process of cooling the brakes to a point that they would not reignite the tires. After the application of about 300 gallons of water, the fire was fully extinguished. Crews worked to contain runoff so it would not enter the waterways.

As a result of the fire, the Los Coches Road off-ramp was closed for about 15 minutes while fire fighting operations continued.

The fire was determined to be related to a mechanical failure in the braking system. A total of 7 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District
Additional Photography By: Captain Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire Protection District

 

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Lakeside Firefighters to Hit the Streets for the MDA Boot Drive

Lakeside, CA -

On September 25, 2013, Lakeside Firefighters will be participating in the MDA Boot Drive. Firefighters will be located at two locations:

Winter Gardens Blvd and Woodside Ave

Highway 8 Business and Los Coches Rd

The firefighters participate in this event annually which collects money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The relationship between the MDA and firefighters goes back to 1954. Since that time firefighters from across this country, and Canada, have contributed over $275 million dollars. Typically the yearly contribution is over $20 million.

So we hope to see ya early in the morning....!