Vegetation Fire on Slaughterhouse Grade

Foster: On Saturday, May 29th, 2010 at 1200 hrs, the Heartland Communications Center received 911 calls about multiple fires starting near the top of Slaughterhouse Grade on Highway 67. Heartland dispatched two brush engines, three structural engines, an ALS ambulance, and a Battalion Chief to the incident. Crews quickly saw the smoke from two different fires in the area. In addition to the Heartland response CalFire had a full response enroute, including air assets from Ramona and Gillispie Field. Commanders ordered an additional strike team from the USFS.

Lakeside Fire Crews starting a hoselay on Division Zulu.

Fire Chief Andy Parr arrived first and reported on two fires that were well established on the east side of the highway, making a run towards San Vicente Reservoir. Lakeside Battalion Chief Ron Laff arrived and assumed "Slaughterhouse IC." On the arrival of the CalFire overhead a Unified Command was established and CalFire Battalion Chief Mike White assumed "Operations."

Crews worked in some rough country. The hillside got even steeper than this area.

Given the proximity of the two fires, and the direction of travel, it was determined that the two fires would ultimately burn together. Engine crews established hoselays on the northern and southern perimeter, and with the assistance of the air tankers and helicopters, the fire progress was slowed.

Division Alpha initiates a hoselay on the north boundary of the fire.

Crews laid out in excess of  6000 feet of hose, in extreme country, to surround the fire. About 30 acres of vegetation were consumed in this fire.

The steep terrain required hands and feet in many areas.

Divisions Alpha and Zulu meet to contain the fire overlooking the San Vicente reservoir.

CalFire brought in a dozer and handcrews to establish physical control lines. CalFire is investigating the cause of the fire.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Tackle Vehicle Fire

Camino Canada: Firefighters from Lakeside's Lake Jennings fire station (fs3) responded to a reported vehicle fire at the park-and-ride on Camino Canada Rd. near Interstate 8 on Wednesday, May 26, 2010. The C-division crew from Engine 3 arrived to find a passenger vehicle with a well-involved engine compartment. The fire was extinguished using a preconnected hoseline and utilizing water from the 500 gallon tank on Engine 3.

Vehicle fires are among the many types of fires that Lakeside firefighters respond to every year.

Fire takes hold of the engine compartment.

Firefighters mask-up before beginning fire attack.

Firefighter/Paramedic Steve Russo knocks-down the fire

Making access to the engine compartment.

Submitted by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photos by: Engineer/Paramedic Richard Smith and FF/PM Steve Russo

Multiple Fire Agencies Battle Lakeside Structure Fire

Glenview: A stubborn, two-alarm fire required the attendance of numerous east county fire agencies in Lakeside on Monday, May 24th, 2010 at 1:38 PM, in the 12800 blk of Jackson Hill Dr. Heartland Communications received multiple 911 calls and units enroute reported heavy smoke showing from a distance. E19 (San Miguel) was first-in reporting a well-established attic fire that had already burned through a portion of the roof.  Battalion 1 (Tockstein) assumed Incident Command and coordinated the actions of  the fire companies who deployed multiple hoselines to attack and extinguish the fire. In addition to aggressively attacking the fire, firefighters directed their efforts to salvaging as much of the homeowner's belongings as possible. Units assisting at this incident included E6, E8, E9, B3 (El Cajon); E4, R5, B2 (Santee); E1, E2, E3, E26s, M1, 4101, 4104, P412, P413 (Lakeside); 3382 (CalFire); Red Cross, SDG&E. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

This incident is another excellent example of the great inter-agency cooperation that we enjoy in east county.

Heavy smoke and fire showing on fire department arrival.

The crew from Engine 1 taking some of the heat out of the fire so crews could access the roof.

Firefighter from Engine 1 applies a combination of water an foam to the shake roof.

A firefighter applies water to the attic area from an exterior ladder.

Crews "peel back" the roof after the main fire is knocked down. Because of the high probability of hidden fires on shake shingle roofs, much of the burned area must be removed.

Story submitted by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire
Photo by: Battalion Chief Ron Laff, Lakeside Fire

Shooting Victim Transported to Trauma Center

El Monte: On Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 at 3:15 AM, one engine company and an ALS ambulance were dispatched to the 10200 blk of Lake Jennings Park Rd for a possible shooting victim.

On the arrival of Engine Company 3 and Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Station) they located a single victim that had suffered a gunshot wound to the lower back area. The male patient was also showing signs that the bullet may have caused injuries to the abdominal area. Crews initiated advanced life support and transported the victim to the trauma center at Sharp Memorial Hospital.

View Lakeside Incidents and Story Map in a larger map

The San Diego Sheriff Department is currently investigating the incident.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Rios Canyon Fuel Spill

Rios Canyon: On Wednesday, May 19th, 2010 at 6:59 PM, the Lakeside Fire District sent a single engine company to the area of Rios Canyon Rd and Pecan Park Ln to investigate a reported fuel leak in the area. On the arrival of Engine Company 3 (Lake Jennings Station) they discovered a significant diesel leak from a parked truck that had entered the flood control opening.

Diesel fuel stains the gutter on Rios Canyon Rd.

Crews initially diked the gutter and attempted to stop the flow of diesel fuel (to no avail). Crews slowed the flow of diesel and contacted the County of San Diego Hazardous Materials Department. A technician was dispatched to assist fire crews with mitigation efforts.

Crews became concerned when diesel was discovered inside of the underground flood control drainage. Battalion One (Battalion Chief Larkin) was requested to the scene to coordinate with the Hazardous Materials Department. 

Crews diked the opening to the flood control channel, but not before a limited amount entered the opening.

Lakeside Fire crews assisted with final clean-up and were committed to the incident for over two hours. Fuel was removed from the waterway, and the owner of the truck will arrange for final disposal of contaminated materials.

Just a reminder, in California the only thing that is allowed in gutters and flood control openings is rain water. 

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District

Lakeside Search Dog Featured on Local News

Lakeside: Bella, the 2 year old black lab currently assigned to Lakeside Fire Engineer Rich Smith, was recently featured on a KFMB story about a FEMA sponsored "Canine Search Specialist Class" taking place in San Diego County. The week long course gives handlers and search team managers exposure to the abilities of these dogs. So unique are the abilities of these trained animals search teams often need to be exposed to the dogs to really grasp their full potential.

A portion of the class was held at the Lakeside Land Company, who opened up their property for this valued training.. Lakeside Land Co. has been a long time supporter of this program, and has provided space for local search dogs to train, including Bella.

SDFD USAR-CA TF-8 hosted the class. Currently there are 6 dogs assigned to this team. Bella is the black lab featured in the video.



Bella hopes to receive her FSA certification soon, which would allow her to be sent on incidents within California.. After that she will need to received advanced certification to be deployable outside of the state,.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

High Angle Rescue Training

Firefighters train in high angle techniques.

 Even though there are few high-rise buildings in the East County, the Lakeside Fire Department requires that all firefighters be trained in some basic high angle rescue techniques. Aside from the rare emergency incident involving a tall building rescue in a neighboring agency, the same equipment and techniques are required for any situation where one might come in contact with a sheer vertical drop. A few such possibilities in or close to Lakeside include, bridges, sheer roadside drop-offs, rock climbing sites and power line towers. Since these incidents are so few and far between and the penalty for a mistake is so great, refresher training is a must to remain proficient in this highly technical skill.

Firefighter/Paramedic Danny Leetch looks calm checking his rigging high above the concrete.

 
This recent training was conducted at the Tom Owens Training Facility (TOTF) in El Cajon. The five story training tower is used to provide a realistic atmosphere to practice . One of the key safety features at the tower is a fall arresting net placed below the rope rescue side of the building. Although the net might look soft and safe from the ground, it looses much of it's comforting appeal from over 60' in the air. In fact, in the event of a fall, chances of death are reduced but serious injury is still likely.

Leetch evaluates his incapacitated victim under the watchful eye of Captain Beto Lawler. 

This drill was conducted to simulate a high angle rescue where an individual has become incapacitated or had an equipment failure requiring a rescuer to be lowered down to his position for assistance. Once in place, the rescuer is required to evaluate and secure the individual and then transfer him onto his own rescue rope system and both are lowered to safety. There are many steps, people and equipment involved in this process which needs to be coordinated and accomplished in a very specific order to result in a safe and successful outcome.

Secured to his rescue system, Leetch removes Captain Chuck Palmore from the damaged line.

Submitted by: Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire Captain

Photos by: Battalion Chief Brent Larkin and Engineer Rich Smith

Vehicle Accident With Trapped Victim

Crews from R3, M3 and E26s work to free the trapped driver.

On May 17th at 1811 hours R3,M3, B1 ,3382, and E26s responded to a vehicle into a tree in the 9500 block of Blossom Valley Road. Upon arrival , we found a
single occupant/driver entrapped in the vehicle that was surrounded by
poison oak. The patient had severe injuries, and due an extended
extrication (37 minutes), Mercy Air 6 was requested (3382 landed MA6).

Mercy Air 6 and crew await patient extrication.

 The vehicle initially appeared as though it was nearly encapsulated in
poison oak, assuring that all eleven LKS personnel would need
decontamination .

At 1854 patient was extricated, and loaded into MA6 for transport to Sharp Memorial.

Extensive work was required to free the driver from the wreckage.

A comprehensive decontamination operation to remove poison oak "oils"
followed of all personnel , all turnouts and protective clothing , as
well as all extrication equipment used . All scene personnel were kept
"incident assigned" until decontamination was complete . This incident
is a great reminder of why we provide our personnel with a "back-up"
set of turnouts, as all incident worn turnouts required
decontamination followed by machine washing.

With decontamination, the incident lasted 3 hours.

Text and Photos Submitted By: Brent Larkin, Battalion Chief Lakedside FD

Vehicle Roll-Over Starts Chain Reaction on I-8

Flinn Springs: On Saturday, May 15th, 2010 at 10:16 PM, units from the Alpine, Viejas, CalFIRE, and Lakeside Fire Agencies were dispatched to a "Rescue Vehicle Accident" on Interstate 8 near Tavern Rd. The alarm sent 3 engine companies, one rescue company, an ALS ambulance, and Battalion Chief to the area. While units were still enroute to the original location an updated location was received from CHP as Interstate 8 just east of Lake Jennings Park Rd. In addition a report was received that there were multiple accidents in both directions of the freeway, and possibly some victims were trapped.

Lakeside personnel evaluate two occupants of a vehicle roll-over on Interstate 8. Both occupants had minor injuries because of proper use of shoulder-lap restraints.

Rescue 3 (Lake Jennings Station) came upon the scene as the new location was being given. On arrival there were two incidents, both involving rolled over vehicles in the east and westbound lanes just east of the old map stop. After a initial assessment it was determined that there were only two injuries in the westbound lanes.

The two occupants of a sedan had self extricated from there vehicle with minor injuries. The occupants reported having their seatbelt restraints in use at the time of the accident. Because they were properly restrained the injuries were very minor.

CHP is currently investigating the accident. Traffic was affected in both directions.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District 

Training at the Blossom Gliderport

Blossom Valley: High in the hills above El Monte Valley lies one of the most popular spots in Southern California for para-glider and hang glider pilots to test their skills in the upslope winds that funnel up from the canyon below. This area has been a mecca for these enthusiasts since the early 80's, and its popularity grows each year. On a clear summer evening it's not uncommon to see multiple gliders in the area.

The view of the El Monte Valley from the Blossom Gliderport.

But with any sport that has a degree of risk accidents do happen. Over the years the Lakeside Fire District has been called to assist injured pilots along the range of hills where they circle. Unfortunately the area is extremely rugged and in many spots it requires the use of ropes and hardware to retrieve the injured.

Fire Engineer Rich Smith reviews using hardware on technical rope systems while Firefighter-Paramedic Jamie Hazlewood works on a lowering system.

Recently the crew from Rescue 3 and Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Station) traveled to the area to practice setting up rope systems and evaluating the different slope areas where potential incidents occur. The most important aspect of these rescues is getting a paramedic to the injured party so decisions can be made based on their injuries. As most of these injuries require evaluation at a "Trauma Center" we work to maintain the "Golden Hour" treatment guidelines that suggest from the time of injury till arrival at a trauma center should not exceed an hour. But with any rescue that occurs in these areas, time is not always on our side. Given the vast area in the Eastern El Monte Valley, simply locating the downed pilot can be time consuming.

Crews review the proper "lashing" technique for removing patients. Lashing is the method we use to secure a patient into the stokes basket.

Lakeside Firefighter-Paramedic Jose Corona and Josh Raczka being lowered into the canyon on a 500' rope. They will start treatment on the patient once they access their location and radio up information that will determine how they will be extricated from the canyon.

Once the injuries are evaluated specific choices can be made on how best to remove the victim. Those choices can include a simple "hike out", all the way up to a hoist removal by helicopter.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside FD Recognizes Two Local Businesses

 Firefigter Todd Welch presents Vince Clark of Road One Towing with a certificate.

Road One Towing located at 45289 Olde Hwy 80 in district 26 and Eagle Auto Dismantling located in district 2 at 12650-1/2 Hwy 67 were both presented with certificates of appreciation today for their generous support with recent vehicle extrication training. The two local businesses donated several damaged vehicles each and set aside space in their yards to host Lakeside and Cal Fire engine companies who participated in these valuable training drills. Fire crews practiced the latest vehicle extrication techniques utilizing the wide variety of specialized tools carried on Rescue 3 including hydraulic cutting, spreading and lifting tools.

 Chuy Garcia accepts a certificate of appreciation from Battalion Chief Brent Larkin.

Due to the high numbers of serious vehicle accidents along the Highway 67 and Interstate 8 corridors it is imperative for emergency crews stay sharp and efficient during emergency extrication when lives are at stake. The ideal training environment supplied by these two businesses made it possible for many firefighters to experience quality hands-on training free from the added hazards of an actual emergency.

Submitted by: Lakeside Fire Captain Chuck Palmore

Dumpster Fire brings a Commercial Response to Maine Street

Lakeside: On Friday, May 14th, 2010 at 6:27 PM, the Heartland Communications Center received 911 calls of a dumpster fire, possibly spreading to the structure, at the old Valley Market at Woodside Ave and Maine Street. Dispatched to this fire was 5 engine companies, a truck company, an ALS ambulance, and a Battalion Chief.

Firefighter-Paramedic Eric Stamm extinguishes a dumpster fire at Maine and Woodside Ave. Fires like this pose a significant hazard if located too close to structures.

Reports indicated that the dumpster was against the commercial structure, and had the potential to spread to the main occupancy. Fortunately on the arrival of Engine 2 (Eucalyptus Hills) the fire was isolated to the dumpster and had not caused additional property damage.

If you have any information as to the cause of this fire please contact the Lakeside Fire Protection District at (619) 390-2350.

Dumpster fires can cause significant property damage if not correctly located on the property. When possible dumpsters should be located away from structures. If located within an enclosure it should be locked during non-business hours. If possible the lid should be locked closed.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

San Diego River 5K Trail Run

This was the third year in a row that the River Bottom Redevelopment Agency has put on the San Diego River 5K Trail Run. Once again, the turn out included runners from all over San Diego and as far as Imperial County. The Lakeside Firefighters Association was on hand along with the Station 1 units to provide shade, water, and handouts for the runners and spectators. Several association members participated in the run and received medals for there overall finish and for how well they did in there age group.


Photos by: Matt Buzzell
Submitted by: Matt Buzzell

Hose test day at Fire Station #3

NFPA 1962 mandates that all fire hose be tested annually.  This is an event at Lakeside Fire Department that all stations participate in.  Each station has its own cache of hose to replace damaged, warn, or dirty hose on the engines as needed.  The hose is divided up by size among the three shifts at each station.  Each length of hose has a number to be recorded as pass or fail.

The test requires each length of hose to be pressurized to 250 PSI for 5 min.  Each length of hose is 50 feet and each station has over 3000 feet of hose so this takes time to complete.  Crews are required to do this between running calls, special assignments, and daily operations.

Photos Submitted by: Rick Dalldorf
Submitted by: Matt Buzzell

Lakeside Welcomes Paramedic Intern Watte

The Lakeside Fire Protection District welcomes Paramedic Intern Brent Watte to the community of Lakeside. This 22 year old Alpine resident is in the final phase of his paramedic training. Assigned to veteran Firefighter-Paramedic Chris Williams, Brent will complete 22 shifts, of carefully supervised, internship on Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Station). During this internship Brent will be required to demonstrate the essential skills of operating in the pre-hospital setting.

Paramedic Intern Brent Watte

Currently a student at the EMSTA College, this phase of his training is the culmination of a year long quest that included a didactic portion where the "book knowledge" of being a paramedic is tackled. Only if this section is completed the intern is then sent to the local hospitals to start using their advanced life support skills under the close supervisions of doctors and nurses. With completion of these two sections the students are then sent out to regional paramedic providers to prove their abilities under "real world" conditions.

Brent is currently a reserve firefighter with the San Miguel Fire District, and hopes to find employment with a local fire agency as a Firefighter-Paramedic.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District

Girl Scouts Visit Station 3

 Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Local Girl Scouts from Troop 6206 paid a visit to the Lake Jennings/Johnstown fire station (fs3) on Tuesday evening. The crew from C-division showed the girls our living quarters and gave a detailed look at our Engine and Rescue unit. Lakeside Firefighters give many station tours to community groups every year.

Troop 6206 visits fire station 3.

Photo and story by: Captain Scott Culkin

The Eucalyptus Hills Fire Safe Council holds first "Chipping Day"

The Eucalyptus Hills Fire Safe Council hosted their first 'Chipping Day' this past Saturday (5/8). The local Council (in cooperation with the greater San Diego Fire Safe Council and the Lakeside Fire District) hoped for 20 truckloads during their 'kick off' event. The final count of truckloads when volunteers closed the doors was 63, nearly breaking the record (70) for the busiest (4 hour) chipping day event in San Diego County to date. 

Council volunteers and Lakeside firefighters interacted with the residents waiting in line by distributing defensible space literature and really making the most of the opportunity to pass along important fire safety education. Fire Marshal Greg Schreiner was instrumental in coordinating the Fire Safe Council volunteers and other community members in support of this very successful event.

Submitted By: Fire Chief Andy Parr, Lakeside Fire District
Photography By: Fire Marshal Greg Schreiner, Lakeside Fire District

Daisy Troop 6398 Visits Lakeside Fire Station

Riverview: The Lakeside Fire District was glad to have Daisy Troop 6398 stop by Station #1 on Riverview Ave. During the tour the troop was introduced to the many functions of the engine company, and had the opportunity to see the tools and operate some of the nozzles. Included in the tour was a review of "Stop-Drop-Roll", accessing 911, a station tour, and the opportunity to see full protective equipment used by firefighters in use.

Firefighter-Paramedic Bernie Molloy demonstrates structural firefighting equipment.

Firefighter-Paramedic Eric Stamm gives the troop a shot at some nozzle time.

Not only is this a great opportunity for us to discuss safety issues, but hopefully we spark interest in one of these youngsters that will purse a career in public safety.

If you have a group that would like to tour a Lakeside Fire Station, contact us at our administrative offices (619-390-2350) during business hours. We would love to have ya come by!

Fire Engineer Robert Williams shows some of the equipment found on engine companies.

Troop 6398 with the crew from Engine Company 2

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

Seat Belts Factor in Highway 8 Accident

Glenview: On Monday, May 3rd, 2010 at 9:36 AM, the Heartland Communications Center dispatched an engine company and an ALS ambulance to the intersection of Aurora Drive and Highway 8 Business for a reported vehicle accident.

On the arrival of Engine 3 and Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Station) they discovered two vehicles with significant damage from a moderate speed collision. As crews evaluated the scene they were surprised that this significant accident had resulted in a single patient with minor injuries. It was determined that all parties were wearing lap and shoulder restraints, which ultimately prevented more significant injuries.

Lakeside Paramedics transported one occupant to Grossmont District Hospital for further evaluation.

CHP is investigating the accident. A total of 5 Lakeside Fire personnel responded to the incident.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Rescue off El Capitan Mountain

El Monte Valley: On Saturday, May 1st, 2010 at 2:06 PM, the Heartland Communications Center received a call from a hiker on El Capitan Mountain requesting medical assistance for another hiker that had fallen and possibly fractured an ankle. An engine company, a rescue company, an ALS ambulance, and Battalion Chief were dispatched to the area. Arriving units established a command post at El Monte Park, and Battalion Chief Ron Laff assumed command of the incident.

SDFD Copter II arrives at the mountain and starts their search.

 Through cell phone communications the crews were able to establish that the victim was located halfway up the mountain in a rugged area popular with hikers. It was determined that it would take ground forces up to two hours to initiate a ground rescue, so a request was made for a helicopter with hoist capabilities.

San Diego Fire Department Copter II was dispatched from Montgomery Field and made contact with the command post. Initially the copter was having difficulty locating the victim, fortunately rescuers were able to maintain cell phone contact. Hikers were able to "talk-in" the rescuers who quickly located the patient. A paramedic was lowered into the scene where the patient was given initial care, then hoisted back up to Copter II.

SDFD Copter II rendezvous with Lakeside Fire units at El Monte Park

 The patient was flown to El Monte Park where he received additional care and was transported to Grossmont Hospital via Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Station).

To see some outstanding photographs taken by local photographer Ron Cook click HERE

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