Lakeside Assists Santee FD with Natural Gas Leak

At 0958, Lakeside Engine 1 responded on a first-alarm assignment with E4, E9, M4, T4, R5, and B2 to a natural gas line break at 260 E. Bradley Ave. Maintenance crews working in the area had accidentally contacted the gas line resulting in the leak. Three people were evacuated to a nearby clubhouse and the rest of the residents in the area were advised to stay inside and keep their windows and doors closed. This is a technique that responders use called sheltering-in-place. SDG&E arrived on scene quickly and controlled the leak. Responding units ensured that no fire broke-out and there were no injuries reported.

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Submitted By: Firefighter-Paramedic Matt Buzzell, Lakeside Fire District

Multi Company Vehicle Extrication Drill

Lakeside Rescue 3, Medic 3 and Engine 26s along with Cal Fire Engine 3382 got some "hands on" training today to hone their skills in the art of vehicle extrication techniques. The drill was made possible with the donation of damaged vehicles by Vince Clark at RoadOne Towing in district 26. The crews were invited to the tow yard at 15289 Olde Hwy 80 and provided with several vehicles to dismantle.

Rescue 3 Captain Mark Grow explains the specialized equipment

This type of training is invaluable because it allows the crews to explore new techniques as well as share the tried and true methods in a non-emergency atmosphere where they are able to perfect the skills necessary for a successful patient rescue. Rescue 3 carries a full compliment of vehicle rescue gear including Holmatro hydraulic cutters, spreaders and rams designed specifically to remove a twisted vehicle from around a trapped victim piece by piece.

Lakeside "Rescue Guru" Todd Welch provides some tips to Cal Fire personnel

Today's drill was attended by many of the apparatus that would typically respond to a vehicle rescue incident in districts 26 and 3 along the Interstate 8 corridor and surface streets. The response includes automatic aid units from the neighboring agencies of Cal Fire, El Cajon and Alpine. Multi-agency drills such as this provide a chance for all personnel involved to practice with the specialize equipment on Rescue 3.

 Vehicle properly stabilized for extrication work

Firefighter Chris Williams and Engineer Steve Schleif execute a dash roll on a side positioned vehicle

Submitted By: Captain Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire District

Residential Fire Sprinklers - Like A Firefighter in Your Home

This amusing Public Service Announcement was produced by the Fresno Fire Department.It is an important reminder that "Residential Fire Sprinklers Save Lives."




Information posted by: Captain Scott Culkin

Vehicle Crashes into House in Pepper Dr. Area

Friday, March 26, 2010

A vehicle into a residential structure brought a multi-agency response to the Pepper Drive area of the Lakeside Fire District on Friday. Engine 1 (Riverview/Winter Gardens station) was first-in reporting moderate damage to the house and the vehicle with deployment of both front airbags. Medic 4 (Santee) transported two occupants from the vehicle to Sharp Grossmont hospital. Other assisting units included E8 (El Cajon), E3 (Lake Jennings/Johnstown), Battalion 1 (Lakeside), and the California Highway Patrol. Additionally, a San Diego County building inspector was requested to assess the structure.

Firefighter/Paramedic Brian Moore and Fire Engineer Joe Vasquez assess one of the vehicle's occupants.

Santee Firefighter/Paramedic Fred Daunis Surveys the vehicle damage.

Significant damage to both the vehicle and the structure (note deployed airbag).

Information and photos by: Captain Wes Barnes

Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Set for April 17

Reprinted from the County of San Diego website.

Young people don’t need to prowl some dark street corner to get their hands on dangerous drugs. Many have turned to getting high on prescription medications, and the number one source is their parents’ homes. The County is giving you an opportunity to clean yours out.

Prescription Drug Take Back Day offers a convenient way for you to safely get rid of unused and expired medications – no questions asked. On April 17, six locations around the county will be set up as drop-off points. All the drugs received will be taken for environmentally-friendly disposal.

The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Prevention and treatment providers will also be on hand to answer questions.

Some of the prescription medications most commonly abused by teens are painkillers, depressants and stimulants. Abusing these drugs can cause severe health problems or even be deadly.

Concerns about misuse of one painkiller in particular, Oxycontin, led to the formation of a multi-agency Oxy Task Force of San Diego County. The Take Back Day was organized by the task force members, led by Chairwoman Pam Slater-Price, Sheriff Bill Gore, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, and Health and Human Services Agency Director Nick Macchione.

For more information about the event, contact the San Diego Sheriff’s Office of Public Affairs at
(858) 974-2259.

East County Drop-Off Location:

El Cajon
East County Courthouse
250 E. Main Street

Click here for further information.

Lakeside Fire District Places New Ambulance in Service

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Firefighters at Lakeside Fire Station 3 (Lake Jennings/Johnstown) have placed a brand-new Advanced Life Support ambulance in service today. The new Medic 3 is a Braun Northwest Type III unit on a GMC G-4500 chassis. This new rig replaces another Braun Northwest ambulance that will be placed in reserve status. Medic 3 is one of two ambulances staffed round-the-clock by Lakeside Firefighter/Paramedics. In the last calendar year, Medic 3 responded to over 2500 calls for service.

The Lakeside Fire District is very proud of its 35 year relationship with the County of San Diego and the area’s CSA-69 EMS District. With our partner, Santee FD, CSA-69 is the longest provider of Fire Service-Based Paramedic services in San Diego County.

Lakeside fire's newest ambulance hits the street

Lakeside Firefighter/Paramedics Bernie Molloy (l) and Lance Buford get ready to break-in the new Medic 3!

Information and photo by: Captain Scott Culkin

Lakeside Firefighters Help in Training New Recruits

Saturday, March 20, 2010

The crew from Rescue 3 spent part of their shift last Saturday assisting instructors at the Heartland 20th Fire Academy in El Cajon. The topic of the day was basic vehicle extrication. R3 members helped the new firefighter recruits with techniques needed for removing people trapped in vehicles. Topics included: vehicle stabilization, glass management, door/roof/floor removal, and dash displacement.

Lakeside Firefighters have a long tradition of assisting at the Heartland Fire Academies and the Lakeside Fire District is proud to be an original member of the Heartland Fire Training JPA.

Fire recruits get instruction from retired Battalion Chief Steve Carpenter

Equipment cache for vehicle rescue training

Heartland 20th Academy tearing-it-up! Making access on a rollover (note position of driver's seat!)

Information submitted by: Captain Scott Culkin
Photos by: Engineer/Paramedic Chris Downing

Lindo Park Elementary after school program Show and Tell

On March 22nd Engine 2 represented the Lakeside Fire Department in a Fire Safety Show and Tell to the children of the Lindo Park Elementary After School Program. The crew of Engine 2, Captain Victor Gonzalez, Engineer Scott Smith, and Firefighter Shawn McKenna, presented fire safety information and demonstrations such as: Stop-Drop-and Roll, Exit Drills in the Home (EDITH), the danger of playing with fire, and the proper use of 911. Later they demonstrated dressing in fire fighter safety gear and provided a tour of the fire engine. Seemingly millions of questions were asked, and answered, and everyone enjoyed the visit with the fire fighters.

Firefighter Mckenna prepping for the "Stop Drop and Roll"

An attentive audience

Engineer Scott Smith answering questions and posing with the kids

Photos and Story submitted by: Engineer Scott Smith

Riverpark Fire Station Update (March 22nd, 2010)

Interim Fire Chief Andy Parr has updated the Riverpark Fire Station page. You can access the page by clicking the tab above, or by following this link: http://lakesidefiredist.blogspot.com/p/riverpark-fire-station-update.html

Lakeside Firefighters Serve as Escorts for Miss Lakeside Pageant

 Saturday, March 20, 2010


The crew from Lakeside Fire Station 1 had the honor of serving as escorts for the 48th Annual Miss Lakeside and Teen Miss Lakeside Pageant at the Lakeside Community Center on Saturday. The Engine One members participating were Captain Wes Barnes, Engineer Frank O'Grady, and Firefighter/Paramedic Brian Moore. Lakeside Firefighters have had the privilege of participating in this community event for many years. Congratulations to this year's winners.

It's a tough job!  (l to r) Firefighter/Paramedic Brian Moore, Engineer Frank O'Grady, and Captain Wes Barnes with the 2010 Miss Lakeside Pageant participants

Information and photo by: Battalion Chief Chuck Tockstein

Lakeside Firefighters Participate in Riverview Elementary's International Fair

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Firefighters from Lakeside Fire Station 2 were on hand at the Riverview Elementary School's International Fair on Saturday. The fair was a celebration of a wide variety of countries from around the world and included information, crafts, food, and entertainment from the various cultures represented.  Attending the event were Captain Victor Gonzalez, Engineer Scott Smith, and Firefighter/Paramedic Justin Loffredo.  The crew from Engine 2 provided fire prevention and fire safety information as well as giving tours of the fire engine and commentary on the fire department and what we do for the community.  Lakeside Firefighters participate in many community events such as this every year.

Lakeside Fire Captain Victor Gonzalez answers questions about Engine 2 during Riverview Elementary's International Fair

 Families Gather around Engine 2 for a tour

Firefighter/Paramedic Loffredo handing out coloring books

Information and photos by: Battalion Chief Chuck Tockstein and Engineer Scott Smith

Fall from a horse sends rider to Trauma Center

Moreno Valley: On Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 at 12:17 PM, the Heartland Communications Center dispatched an engine company, and an ALS ambulance, to a reported "rider down" in the vicinity of Ashwood St and Willow Road in Moreno Valley.

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On the arrival of Engine Company 2 (Eucalyptus Hills Station) they assessed a female rider that had fallen from a horse (at full gallop) resulting in multiple injures and a period of unconsciousness. Utilizing the paramedic equipment on the engine the patient was quickly evaluated and advanced life support initiated until the arrival of the ambulance.

At the time of the incident the rider was wearing a helmet that certainly prevented a more serious injury.

The patient was transported to Sharp Memorial Trauma Center in San Diego by Medic 4 (Santee Fire Department). 

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

"Slow Down-Move Over Law"

One of the most dangerous environments that first responders operate in is that of the "freeway incident." Most Lakeside Firefighters at some point in their career will have a near-miss incident with a vehicle, and many have been struck by drivers while operating on emergency scenes. But California has in place a law that protects emergency workers on the freeway. It's commonly known as the "Slow Down - Move Over Law", technically it's known as 21809. This is a summary of that law:

Section 21809 reads: (a) A person driving a vehicle on a freeway approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying emergency lights, a stationary tow truck that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, or a stationary marked Department of Transportation vehicle that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, shall approach with due caution and, before passing in a lane immediately adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, or Department of Transportation vehicle, absent other direction by a peace officer, proceed to do one of the following:

1. Make a lane change into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, or Department of Transportation vehicle, with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, if practicable and not prohibited by law.

2. If the maneuver described in paragraph (1) would be unsafe or impracticable, slow to a reasonable and prudent speed that is safe for existing weather, road, and vehicular or pedestrian traffic conditions.

(B.) A violation of subdivision (a) is an infraction, punishable by a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50).

(C.) The requirements of subdivision (a) do not apply if the stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying emergency lights, the stationary tow truck that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, or the stationary marked Department of Transportation vehicle that is displaying flashing amber warning lights is not adjacent to the freeway or is separated from the freeway by a protective physical barrier.

Lakeside Fire "Rescue 3" and CHP operating in heavy traffic on Interstate 8

Please help us work in a safe environment....!

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District

Lakeside Firefighters Train on Vertical Ventilation Techniques

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Lakeside, CA

Lakeside Fire Department on-duty crews had an excellent opportunity to practice vertical ventilation techniques on a house slated for demolition to make way for the new Riverpark Fire Station and Administration Facility. Firefighters from the Lake Jennings and Riverview Fire Stations spent most of the afternoon cutting ventilation holes in the roof of the structure. Proper ventilation is one of the highest priorities when fighting structure fires and is performed to relieve the structure of smoke and superheated gases, making it easier to extinguish the fire. Eventually, all of the Lakeside Fire crews will have an opportunity to train on this house before it is demolished later this month.

Firefighter/Paramedic Steve Russo starts his cut while Engineer/Paramedic Chris Downing backs him up.

After the hole is cut and louvered, Engine 3's crew prepares to leave the roof.

Firefighter-Paramedic Eric Stamm uses a saw technique that minimizes the chance that he could cut through a roof rafter. Such a critical mistake could result in roof failure and collapse.

Submitted by Captain Scott Culkin
Photos by Captain Wes Barnes

Lakeside Fire Fighters Participate in Live Fire Training at Barona

March 11, 2010

Barona, CA

Lakeside Fire was one of several agencies that attended a live fire training drill at Barona Fire Station 27. San Miguel Fire Fighters, Captain Ron Quinlan and Firefighter Rich Jurell operated the Heartland Burn Trailer for crews from Lakeside Engine 1, Barona Engine and Truck 27, and the CalFire Mt. Woodson Engine. The burn trailer provides a realistic live-fire environment for crews to practice fire attack, ventilation, and search and rescue techniques. This is another example of the excellent interagency cooperation that we enjoy in the Heartland Operational Area. Many thanks to Barona Fire for hosting the training and providing lunch.

Information and photos submitted by Fire Captain Wes Barnes

Firefighters setting up the Heartland Burn Trailer

From fs3-c

Firefighters make entry into the burn trailer

From fs3-c

Lakeside Firefighters Assist Santee on Working Structure Fire

Santee: On Friday, March 12th at 11:58 PM, the Heartland Communications Center dispatched three engine companies, a truck company, a rescue company, one ALS ambulance, and a Battalion Chief to the 11500 block of Santana Street, in the City of Santee, to a reported structure fire in a residential occupancy. As part of the Heartland-wide automatic aid agreement the Lakeside Fire District sent one engine company to assist.

On the arrival of Engine Company 1 (Riverview Station)  they immediately backed-up the Santee crews and assisted in checking for fire extension into the dwelling. They also provided ventilation to remove the smoke from the interior of the home.

Lakeside is proud to be a part of this auto-aid agreement that has served the community well for decades.

Information and Photos By:
Fire Engineer Carl Chiodo

Lakeside Firefighters Respond to Sewage Spill

On Friday, March 12th at 5:20 PM, the Lakeside Fire District sent one engine company to the 8200 block of Winter Gardens Blvd for a "Hazmat Investigation." On the arrival of Engine Company 1 (Riverview Station) they found 200-300 gallons of raw sewage that had seeped into a parking-lot from a business on Winter Gardens Blvd.

On investigation they determined that a plumber had been working on a plugged line at the time of the leak.

County Storm Water officials were notified to clean up the mess and send the person responsible a bill for the clean up.

Information Provided By:
Interim Fire Chief Andy Parr
Firefighter-Paramedic Jon Jordan

Head-On Collison on Highway 67 sends Two to the Trauma Center

Foster: On Friday, March 12th at 1:56 PM, the Lakeside Fire District dispatched two engine companies, a rescue company, two ALS ambulances, and a Battalion Chief to a "rescue vehicle accident" on Highway 67 between Vigilante Rd and Scripps-Poway Parkway. In addition Interim Fire Chief Andy Parr responded due to his vicinity of the reported accident.

Cutting operations begin to remove a severely injured occupant

Crews continue to cut into the vehicle to better access the occupant.

On the arrival of Chief Parr he reported a total of three injured parties with the potential for extrication. Battalion One (Battalion Chief Laff)  arrived and assumed Highway 67 IC. On the arrival of Engine Company 1 (Riverview Station) they quickly triaged the incident and determined that two patients had major injuries and required immediate transport to a trauma center.

Lakeside and El Cajon Firefighters load a critically injured victim into Medic 9 for transport to the trauma center.

While Lakeside Firefighters stabilize one of the critically injured, Firefighter-Paramedic Bryan Peters updates Sharp Trauma Center on the status of the patients.

Crews initiated advanced life support and packaged the patients for transport. On the arrival on Medic 9 (El Cajon Fire Department) one of the critical patients, and an injured one year old juvenile, were loaded for transport to Sharp Trauma and Children's Hospital. Both patients had significant injuries.

The other gravely injured patient required extrication from the vehicle. Rescue Company 3 (Lake Jennings Station) set-up their hydraulic tools and removed the driver side door of the vehicle. He was subsequently removed and treated for a number of open fractures and critical traumatic injuries. Medic 3 transported the patient to Sharp Memorial Trauma Center.

Thirteen Lakeside Firefighters responded to the incident, assisted by two personnel from the El Cajon Fire Department.

CHP is currently investigating the accident.

Submitted By: 
Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Photos By:
Interim Fire Chief Andy Parr
Captain Mark Grow

Major Crash Closes Wildcat Canyon Road

Wildcat Canyon: On Wednesday, March 10th at 2:26 PM, the Heartland Communications Center dispatched two engine companies, a rescue company, an ALS ambulance, and a Battalion Chief to a reported "head-on collision on Wildcat Canyon Rd just north of Stelzer Park. Initial reports indicated multiple vehicles with a possible trapped victim, and another vehicle on it's roof. Based on the initial information Battalion 1 requested an additional engine company respond to the incident.

Battalion 8 (Barona: Chief Sandoval) was in the immediate area and responded to the incident. On his arrival it was obvious there were multiple patients so an additional ALS ambulance was requested. Engine Company 2 (Eucalyptus Hills) and Engine Company 27 (Barona) arrived on-scene and started sorting out the scene. Engine Company 2 initiated the triage of patients and was assigned to overall medical control. Engine Company 27 started extrication on the trapped occupant. Engine Company 1 (Riverview Station) arrived on-scene and assisted in treating the injured parties while Rescue Company 3 (Lake Jennings Station) assisted with the extrication.

On the arrival of Battalion 1 (Larkin) a total of five injured parties had been identified, so an additional ALS and BLS ambulance was requested. This brought a response from Medic 6 (El Cajon Fire Department) and an EMT ambulance from AMR. On the arrival of Medic 1 (Riverview Station) and Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Station) they loaded the more seriously injured and transported them to Sharp Memorial Trauma. On the arrival of Medic 6, and the AMR ambulance, additional patients were loaded for transport to Sharp Memorial Hospital. Three patients were serious enough to require assessment in the Trauma Center.

Wildcat Canyon Road was closed for 90 minutes because of the crash and subsequent investigation. 

Drivers are reminded to slow down when roadways are wet...!

Information Provided By:

Battalion Chief Brent Larkin

Firefighter-Paramedic Justin Loffredo

Photos By:
Interim Fire Chief Andy Parr

Disabled Vehicle Struck on Highway 67

Foster: On Sunday, March 7th, 2010 at 4:51 PM, the Heartland Communications Center dispatched two engine companies, one rescue company, an ALS ambulance, and a Battalion Chief to a "rescue vehicle accident" on Highway 67 north of Slaughterhouse Canyon Rd. Additional information indicate two severely injured parties, with one possibly trapped. Based on that information Battalion 1 ordered an additional ALS ambulance.

Photo By: Carl Chiodo

On the arrival of Engine Company 2 (Eucalyptus Hills) they determined they had one severely injured patient that required immediate transport, and a second patient with some moderate injuries that required immediate intervention. Battalion 1 (Laff) assumed "Highway 67 IC". Engine Company 1 (Riverview Station) arrived and assisted with the assessment and loading of patients for transport. One patient was transported by Medic 4 (Santee Fire Department) to the trauma center at Sharp Memorial Hospital. A lesser injured patient was also transported to Sharp Trauma via Medic 1.

Fire crews load a patient into Medic 1 for transport to Sharp Trauma.

Photo By: Carl Chiodo

Initial reports indicate that a vehicle had broken down and was then struck by a second vehicle. CHP is currently investigating this incident.

Information Submitted By: Firefighter-Paramedic Eric Stamm, Lakeside Fire District

Roll-Over on Highway 67 sends one to the Trauma Center

Moreno Valley: On Sunday, March 7th 2010 at 1:19 PM, the Heartland Communications Center dispatched two engine companies, one rescue company, one ALS ambulance, and a Battalion Chief, to a reported "roll over vehicle accident" on Highway 67 just south of Vigilante Rd. Julian-Cuyamaca Fire Medic 71 had come across the accident while returning from a previous call.

Photo By: Carl Chiodo

On the arrival of Engine Company 1 and Medic 1 (Riverview Station) they discovered a single vehicle that had rolled into the southbound lanes of Highway 67. Crews assessed the occupant and determined that her injuries required that she be transported to a trauma center. After the assessment the patient was transported via Medic 1 to Sharp Trauma in Kearny Mesa. Battalion 1 (Laff) assumed Highway 67 IC and directed crews at the incident.

The Lakeside Fire District received assistance from the Santee Fire Department. Currently the CHP is investigating the incident.

Information Provided By: Firefighter-Paramedic Jon Jordan

Fatality on Wildcat Canyon Road

Wildcat Canyon: On Sunday, March 7th, 2010 at 12:24 PM, the Heartland Communications Center dispatched one engine company, a truck company, an ALS ambulance, and a Battalion Chief to a vehicle accident on Wildcat Canyon south of Muth Valley.

Photo By: Ron Laff

On arrival they found a full size pick-up truck had impacted a southbound van. One patient had been removed and an off-duty SDPD officer had initiated CPR efforts for a pulseless male occupant in the van. On the arrival of Engine Company 2 (Eucalyptus Hills Station) they took over patient care and initiated advanced life support efforts.

Extensive resuscitative efforts failed to revive the victim. On the arrival of Truck Company 27 (Barona Fire Department) they assisted by evaluating a second patient that had significant complaints. The patient was transported by Lakeside Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Station) to Sharp Trauma in Clairemont.

The Lakeside Fire District received assistance from the Barona Fire Department.

The accident is currently under investigation by the CHP.

Information Provided By: Captain Jim Kirkpatrick, Lakeside Fire District. 

Couple Escapes Injury after Collision with Light Pole

Glenview: On Sunday, March 7th, 2010 at 11:57 AM, the Lakeside Fire District sent one engine company to the intersection of Camino Canada and Los Coches Rd to assist with a hazard after a non-injury vehicle accident.

On the arrival of Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Station) they discovered a vehicle that had skidded on the wet roadway and impacted a concrete light pole. The pole fell impacting the passenger space of the vehicle. Fortunately for the occupants the pole impacted in the center of the roof. Had it impacted one foot in either direction there could have been significant injuries. The crew was also concerned that the exposed wiring had energized the vehicle. A SDG&E crew responded and secured power.

This is another reminder that when roadways are wet special attention needs to be paid to speed and braking distances.

CHP is investigating the accident.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Training on the Trails

Lakeside: The Lakeside Fire District has a web of trails and recreational activity areas throughout most of the community. Used by everyone from horse enthusiasts, to hang glider pilots, these back country areas can pose a challenge for rescue crews when accidents happen. To maintain our preparedness for these types of incidents firefighters constantly have to practice skills used to extricate victims from an array of difficult terrains that we might encounter.

Firefighter-Paramedic Jose Corona reviews system hardware with other crew members.

Captain Chuck Palmore prepares a system used to lower rescuers down to a victim.

No two calls are ever the same when dealing with injured parties in the wilderness setting. Often the hardest phase of the rescue is simply locating the victim, whom is often confused as to their location, or they are simply overdue and we're looking in a massive area for the victim.

The the past Lakeside Firefighters have responded to stranded climbers in the El Capitan and El Monte Park areas, downed hang glider pilots in the Blossom Valley area, and multiple riders down from off-road and horse related incidents.  

Once located crews need to quickly access the victim and evaluate their injuries. Crews practice using anchoring systems out of objects commonly found in these very rural areas. The trick is to securely anchor the system and get a paramedic into the victim within minutes. Once the medic is with the patient definitive care can be administered while the rescue crew works on a method to extricate the victim.

Lakeside Firefighters Chris Williams, Steve Schleif, and Todd Welch prepare to be lowered into a remote location.

Lakeside Firefighters Danny Leetch, Chuck Palmore, and Steve Thompson being lowered into a ravine off Furnace Creek Rd

Typically firefighters are introduced to basic rope rescue techniques during their academy, but the techniques required to remove victims in wildness settings requires a whole new "skill set." Lakeside Fire requires all employees to attain these skills during their first three years of employment.

There are some specific things you can do to help us locate you in the back country.

•      Let People Know Where you are Going: Let family members, friends, or co-workers know your plans. This should include:

• Where you are departing from.
• Where are you going.
• When will you be back.
  

•     Carry a Cell Phone: Unfortunately some of the more rural areas are out of the coverage area, but it's a good idea to carry a phone to make emergency calls. The other problem with cell phones is people lose orientation, and have difficulty describing their location to a 911 operator. Try to be aware of the areas you are in so that you can give specific information.

•     Wear Clothing that is Easy to Spot: Most searches start with an aerial search of the area. Wear clothing that can been seen against the background of earth colors. 

•     Be Prepared for Changing Conditions: Take warm clothing and water in case you become stranded for an extended period of time.

Lakeside Fire Engineer Steve Schleif practices using "brush" as part of a complex anchoring system where the load is shared by many objects. Sometimes this is all we have!

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District