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