Early Morning Vehicle Extrication on Wildcat Canyon Road

Wildcat Canyon: On Sunday, November 28th, 2010 at 5:29 a.m., the Lakeside Fire District sent a rescue response to a vehicle accident on Wildcat Canyon Road south of Muth Valley Road. The response included two structural engine companies, a rescue company, an ALS ambulance, and a Battalion Chief (Lawler).

Both vehicles had severe damage from this head-on collision

 On the arrival of Engine Company 1 (Riverview fire station), firefighters discovered a two-vehicle accident with one occupant trapped. They also discovered they had a total of three patients. A request was made for an additional ALS ambulance which sent Medic 1 (Riverview fire station) to the incident.

On the arrival of Rescue 3 (Lake Jennings fire station), operations were initiated to remove the trapped victim. Crews removed the roof of the vehicle and were able to extricate the victim. This occupant had suffered major traumatic chest injuries and required immediate transport to Sharp Memorial Trauma Center.

Firefighter-paramedics treated two other victims, and they were also transported to the trauma center.

The accident closed down traffic on Wildcat Canyon Road until the vehicles could be removed. CHP is conducting the investigation. A total of fourteen Lakeside Fire personnel responded to this incident.

This was the third traffic accident that Lakeside Firefighters had responded to on Wildcat Canyon Road since midnight.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Paraglider Crash Brings Multi-Agency Response

Quail Canyon: On Saturday, November 27, 2010, at 2:05 p.m., the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a report of a paraglider that had experienced a rough landing at the Blossom Valley Glider Port, resulting in injuries to the pilot. A rescue response was dispatched including one structural engine, one rescue unit (with a 4x4 utility vehicle), an ALS ambulance, and battalion chief (Lawler).

Lakeside paramedics and CalFire flight crew members stabilize the injured patient.

 On arrival, crews were informed that the patient was at the top of the peak and had suffered spinal injuries due to rough landing. San Diego County Copter 10 had arrived in the area and was attempting to locate a landing zone while ground crews accessed the area.

Additional flight crew members arrive for the carryout to the copter.

 The crews from Rescue 3 (Lake Jennings Station) and Medic 3 accessed the area by vehicle and made patient contact.The CalFire flight crew had accessed the area and had initiated patient care. Due to the remote location, the decision was made to fly the patient via helicopter to the Rios Little League Field, where they would rendezvous with a ground transport unit.

Crew members load the injured pilot into San Diego Copter 10 for the flight to the Rios Little League Field

After the patient was stabilized, the crew hiked the patient to the helicopter where two Lakeside Paramedics boarded for the short flight to the ball field. From that location, that flight met with Engine 26s (Blossom Valley Station) and M3 (Lake Jennings Station) for ground transport to Sharp Trauma in San Diego.

Assisting Lakeside on this incident was SDSO, Cal Fire, and CHP. A total of nine Lakeside personnel responded to this incident.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Make Quick Work of Kitchen Fire

Lakeside, CA -

Just after the 8:00 a.m. crew change on the morning of November 23, 2010, Lakeside Fire District units were dispatched to a  residential structure fire in the 9000 block of Calle Lucia in Lakeside.  Due to the lingering morning fog, firefighters were unable to visualize any smoke as they approached the scene.  The Engine 3 crew from the Lake Jennings fire station (fs3) arrived on scene first to find a condo complex with light smoke in the area.  When entry was made, dark smoke billowed from the front door.  Engine 1 from the Riverview fire station (fs1) layed a supply line to engine 3 from a nearby hydrant and assisted with interior firefighting operations.  Truck 4 (Santee) was assigned to assist with ventilation. Firefighters quickly located and extinguished the fire containing the damage to the kitchen.  The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

Units on scene were Engine 3, Engine 1, Engine 2, Medic 1, and Battalion 1 from Lakeside.  Other agencies that assisted were Engine 19 from San Miguel, Truck 4 from Santee, and Engine 3382 from Cal Fire. 

Firefighters wait for the investigators to finish their work.

Photos By: Chief Andy Parr, Lakeside Fire District
Story By: Firefighter/Paramedic Matthew Buzzell, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Fire Responds to Swiftwater Rescue

Lakeview - On November 21, 2010, Lakeside Firefighters responded to the rain-swollen Los Coches Creek for two youngsters who were swept downstream while playing near the water. The rapid current carried both boys approximately 100-yards before one of them was able to extricate himself from the creek. The other boy was sucked through a nearly-full drainage pipe under Lakeview Road where he was removed from the deep water by neighbors and S.D. County Sheriff's deputies who also responded to the call.

Fire crews from the Lake Jennings fire station (fs3) arrived and performed medical evaluations on both boys. Lakeside Firefighter-paramedics treated both for mild hypothermia and tranported them to a local hospital for further evaluation.

Lakeside firefighters want to remind everyone to stay away from these areas during periods of rain. While this incident ended well, it is common for this type of call to end with tragic consequences.

Units attending this incident included: E1, R3, M3, B1 (Tockstein), and 4101 from Lakeside. B8 (Kremensky) from Barona Fire also assisted on this incident.

Rescue 3 on-scene at Los Coches Creek.

The normally dry creek becomes very dangerous when it rains!

The point where the victim exited the underground section of the pipe. This amount of water was sufficient to sweep twovictims down stream. (Photo By: Fire Chief Parr)

Link to KGTV story covering the incident.

Story and photos by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Storm Keeps Lakeside Fire Crews Busy

Lakeside: As the first wave of a pacific storm passed through the Lakeside area, fire crews suddenly found themselves busy with a number of accidents. Crews handled accidents along the Interstate 8 and Highway 67 corridors. Fortunately there were no serious injuries associated with these incidents.

As the first pulse of rain hit the area in the early evening, crews responded to incidents at Interstate 8 and Lake Jennings Park Rd, then later at Interstate 8 on the Olde Highway 80 over crossing. Crews assessed the occupants and determined they were non-injury.

A vehicle rests on its side on the Lake Jennings Park Rd on-ramp to westbound Interstate 8. Fortunately the occupant was restrained and suffered no injuries.

As evening came, the accidents shifted to the top of the grade on Highway 67. Initially, a vehicle rolled-over blocking the southbound lanes. A secondary accident occurred as drivers rounded the blind corner and struck vehicles that had come to a stop. Arriving Lakeside Fire crews established traffic control while personnel from Engine 2 (Eucalyptus Hills Station) and Medic 1 (Riverview Station) treated the injured.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Run for Charity

On November 19, 2010,  firefighters from Lakeside's  Blossom Valley (FS26) and Riverview fire stations (FS1) participated in Riverview Elementary's annual Jog-a-thon. Schools utilize this type of event to raise awareness about the importance of physical fitness, fundraise for classrooms and to offer the children opportunities to compete for prizes. Lakeside Firefighters look forward to participating in these type of events that provide us an opportunity to interact with the public in such a positive way.  In today's case, they also got some exercise in, completing a 9-mile run during the 90-minute Jog-a-thon consisting of three separate groups of children.

From left to right: Engineer/Paramedic Ian Lowe, Captain Jerry Daoust,
and Firefighter Nathan Fox.

Ready... Set... GO!!!

Story By: Firefighter / Paramedic Bernie Molloy, Lakeside Fire District
Information and Photos By: Captain Jerry Daoust, Lakeside Fire District

A Safe Babywearing Experience

 A message from the US Product Safety Commission

For many parents, babywearing promotes a positive bond between parent and child. The key for any mom, dad, or caregiver who wears their baby is education. In the first few months of life, babies cannot control their heads because of weak neck muscles. We at CPSC want babywearers caring for infants younger than 4 months old to keep this in mind.

Babywearers should place their baby’s face at or above the rim of a sling or wrap so that their face is visible.When babies are placed with their faces below the rim of a sling, they are not able to lift their heads to breathe. This can lead to the following two hazardous situations:

• One risk occurs when a baby’s head is turned toward the adult. An infant’s nose and mouth can be pressed against the baby wearer and become blocked, preventing the baby from breathing. Suffocation can happen quickly, within a minute or two.
• When a baby lies in a sling, the fabric can push the baby’s head forward to its chest. Infants can’t lift their heads and free themselves to breathe. This curled, chin-to-chest position can partially restrict a baby’s airways, causing a baby to lose consciousness. The baby cannot cry out for help.

In addition, CPSC urges parents of infants younger than four months of age, premature or low birth-weight babies and babies with colds and respiratory problems to use extra caution and consult their pediatricians about using slings.

All of this information is consistent with what CPSC shared with parents in March. So, why raise this again?

Every day, new babies are born and new moms, dads, and caregivers may not be aware of the safety information we’ve given before. We want all new moms and dads who choose to wear their babies to know how to keep their babies safe.

Child safety experts at CPSC have looked at incidents and sadly found 14 reports of infants who suffocated and died in sling-style carriers during the past 20 years. To prevent any more deaths, CPSC staff urges parents to use extra caution with infants younger than 4 months old, premature, low birth-weight babies, and babies with colds and respiratory problems when using infant slings.

This warning is not intended to characterize all slings as being dangerous to babies. CPSC has identified (1) specific situations that can pose a risk of serious harm to babies, and (2) simple safety tips that we hope the babywearing community can share with new parents so that they have a safe, heart-to-heart bond while using an infant sling.

CPSC stands for safety, especially the safety of babies.
By CPSC Blogger on November 19, 2010

New Addition to the Lakeside Fire Family

On the night of Wednesday, November 17, 2010, Lakeside Fire Engineer Joe Vasquez and his wife Christin welcomed little Evelyn Patricia Vasquez into the world.  Christin gave birth after 23 hours of labor at 11:53p.m. and little Evelyn came out weighing in at 6lbs. 15oz.  Congratulations to Joe and Christin. We hope you both get some sleep soon. 

 

Photo submitted by:  Engineer Joe Vasquez, Lakeside Fire District

Story by: Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Buzzell, Lakeside Fire District

Mini Tillers with Honda Engines Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Honda and Mantis Mini Tillers

Units: About 6,150

Manufacturer: American Honda Motor Co., of Torrance, Calif.

Hazard: A rubber grommet that is part of the engine's fuel tank may crack and leak fuel, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled mini tillers have Honda GX25 mini four-stroke engines and their engine serial numbers can be found on the engine near the fuel tank cap. Both brands come in red and black.

Honda Mini Tiller: Model number FG110 with serial numbers GCALT 1696948 to 1700567.
Mantis Mini Tiller: Model numbers 7262 and 7270 with serial numbers GCART-1165215 to 1171495.

Sold at: Honda Power Equipment Dealers, The Home Depot, outdoor power equipment dealers, rental dealers, retailers, mail order and catalog houses nationwide from March 2010 through September 2010 for about $400.

Manufactured: The engines were made in Thailand and assembled in the United States using domestic and globally sourced products.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using any mini tiller with engines in the affected serial number ranges and contact any Honda Power Equipment dealer or Honda Engine dealer (Mantis owners only) to arrange to have the fuel tank assembly replaced free of charge. Registered owners of the recalled mini tillers will be sent a notice by mail.

Consumer Contact: For additional information:

Honda FG110 mini-tiller owners should contact Honda at (888) 888-3139 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.hondapowerequipment.com

Mantis mini-tiller owners should either contact Mantis Customer Service at (800) 366-6268, visit www.mantis.com or contact Honda at (888) 888-3139 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.hondapowerequipment.com

Daisy Troop 6670 Visits Station #3

Lake Jennings Fire Station: On Tuesday, November 16, 2010, Daisy Troop #6670 came to Fire Station 3 for a tour of the facilities. As always, Bella the search dog with handler Engineer Rich Smith was the highlight of the evening for the kids.

The Daisies meet Bella who recently returned from New York where she was certified as a "search dog". Handler Rich Smith demonstrates some of Bella's unique skills.

Firefighter-Paramedic Danny Leetch acted as tour guide for this very interested group of girls. Maybe a future firefighter in there ?

The crew at station #3 poses with Daisy Troop #6670. Thank you for the visit!

Firefighter-Paramedic Leetch was almost as equally entertaining as the "tour guide," with assistance from Firefighter-Paramedic Jose Corona and Firefighter David Hawk.

Photos by: Captain Rick Dalldorf, Lakeside Fire District

If you have a group or organization that would like to tour one of Lakeside's Fire Station, please contact us.
Contact Link

FS3 Crews Visit OLPH

Lakeside - The Engine 3 and Medic 3 crews from Lakeside's Lake Jennings fire station (fs3) were invited to visit to the youngsters at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Lakeside on November 15, 2010. Captain Culkin gave a brief talk on the importance of smoke detectors and asked the kids to be sure and practice E.D.I.T.H. (exit drills in the home) with their families. Engineer Chris Downing and Firefighter-paramedics Bernie Molloy and Jose Corona gave the students a tour of the fire engine and paramedic ambulance. Firefighter Shawn McKenna finished up the visit by donning all of his 70 lbs. of firefighter gear, allowing the kids a chance to see what we might look and sound like if we ever have to come to their homes on an emergency call.

The OLPH students check out Engine and Medic 3.

Lakeside Firefighter Shawn McKenna "all dressed up."

Story by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photos by: Engineer-paramedic Chris Downing, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Respond to Early Morning Crash

Glenview - Early Sunday morning, November 14, 2010, at 4:35a.m., firefighters from Lakeside's Lake Jennings and Riverview fire stations (fs3, fs1) were dispatched to a traffic collision at Hwy 8 Business and Los Coches Road. On arrival,  firefighters found a small pick-up truck that had struck a parked semi-trailer causing extensive damage to the vehicle. The three occupants of the vehicle were out of the truck on arrival.  Remarkably, the truck's occupants escaped with what appeared to be relatively minor injuries. Lakeside firefighter-paramedics transported the occupants to an area hospital.

Photos and Story submitted by: Captain Rick Dalldorf, Lakeside Fire Dist.

Lakeside Firefighters Respond to Hwy 67 Rollover

Lakeside - Firefighters from Lakeside's Riverview fire station (fs1) responded to a rollover vehicle accident on southbound Hwy. 67 just north of Riverford Rd. at 3:49 p.m., Saturday, November 13, 2010. Engine and Medic 1 arrived on scene to find that the two occupants of the single-vehicle accident had self-extricated from the vehicle. The two-door SUV reportedly swerved to miss some debris in the highway and rolled multiple times before coming to rest in a group of trees on the southbound shoulder. Both occupants, who were wearing seat belts, suffered minor injuries and were transported by Lakeside firefighter-paramedics to an area hospital. Engine 1's crew remained on scene to secure the vehicle and scene until a tow truck could remove the SUV.

This incident is another great reminder of the importance of using seatbelts.

Despite the damage, occupants suffered minor injuries.

 Photos and story by: Engineer Carl Chiodo, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters remind Homeowners of Hazards Related to Heating Homes

As we venture into the cold nights of winter we see increasing incidents of fires related to heating of homes.The vast majority of these incidents are preventable.

The following tips are provided by the National Fire Protection Association.

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable sapce heater.
• Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Test smoke alarms monthly.

Also related to residential heating is a rise in Carbon Monoxide incidents.Carbon Monoxide can emanate from a number of sources, some not related to heating of home.  The following tips are provided by the EPA.

	DO have your fuel-burning appliances -- including oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves -- inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Make certain that the flues and chimneys are connected, in good condition, and not blocked.
	DO choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible, have them properly installed, and maintain them according to manufacturers’ instructions.
	DO read and follow all of the instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device. If you cannot avoid using an unvented gas or kerosene space heater, carefully follow the cautions that come with the device. Use the proper fuel and keep doors to the rest of the house open. Crack a window to ensure enough air for ventilation and proper fuel-burning.
	DO call the Consumer Product Safety Commission (1-800-638-2772) at www.cpsc.gov for more information on how to reduce your risks from CO and other combustion gases and particles.

	DON’T idle the car in a garage -- even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up very quickly in the garage and living area of your home.
	DON’T use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
	DON’T ever use a charcoal grill indoors -- even in a fireplace.
	DON'T sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
	DON’T use any gasoline-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws, small engines or generators) in enclosed spaces.
	DON’T ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing. Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Engine 3 Tackles Fully-Involved Vehicle Fire

Glenview - The Engine 3 crew from Lakeside's Lake Jennings fire station (fs3) were alerted to respond to a vehicle fire in the 13000 block of Highway 8 Business on the evening of November 10, 2010. Engineer Chris Downing had little trouble finding the location of the fire as it was putting up a large, black smoke column visible from a distance. Luckily, the vehicle's driver had stopped in the middle of a parking lot with no other vehicles or structures in close proximity. Firefighter Shawn McKenna knocked-down most of the flames within a few minutes using a preconnected hoseline flowing water from Engine 3's booster tank. The Captain, Engineer, and Firefighter then worked together to access the engine compartment and extinguish the remaining fire. Although the vehicle was a total loss, no injuries or other property damage occurred.

Vehicle is well-involved on arrival of E3.

FF McKenna knocks down the flames.

A Halligan bar props up the hood on the engine compartment.

Story by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photos by: Battalion Chief Chuck Tockstein, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Fire District On Nixle

Lakeside: To provide the community with a number of tools to keep informed about local events and incidents, the Lakeside Fire District has established a Nixle account. The Nixle service allows "registered" members to receive SMS (text) messages on their phones, or by e-mail when information is posted.

This is a free service, and Nixle does not share the information about their subscriber base with other services. The Fire District looks at this as another tool to keep the members of our community informed. Click here to register for the free account.

Once you activate your account you will be able to select what type of alerts you want to receive. You can also select times when you will not receive the alerts...

Please note that your cell phone provider's text rates will apply.

This service does not replace the "reverse 911" system, or the cell phone alert program provided by Alert San Diego. It is essential that members of our community register for this service to receive "official" emergency notifications. To register with Alert San Diego click on this link.



Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

FULL-SIZE PICKUP VS. POWER POLE

 Lakeside -

Early Tuesday morning, November 9, 2010, units from the Lakeside Fire Protection District were dispatched to a vehicle versus a power pole on Maine Avenue.  Engine 1 from the Riverview fire station (fs1) arrived on scene first to find a full-size Silverado pick up that had "center punched" a power pole causing communications lines to fall across the roadway.  

View Lakeside Incidents and Story Map in a larger map

Maine Avenue was closed for about a half hour between Lakeshore Drive and Laurel Street. The driver was wearing their seat belt and air bags did deploy.  The driver suffered minor injuries from the impact and was evaluated by paramedics. Cox Cable was on scene to fix the downed lines. 

WET ROAD CAUSES DRIVER TO GET SQUIRRELY

Just before 9 a.m. on Monday, November 8, 2010, units from Lakeside Fire District where dispatched to a vehicle accident on highway 67  near Vigilante Road.  Battalion 1 and Engine 1 from the Riverview station (fs1) where first on scene.  The incident was located at the top of the grade coming into Lakeside.  Firefighters found an SUV that had spun around, hit the dirt bank on the right side of the road, and rolled onto its roof.  Luckily, the driver was wearing his seat belt and was able to get out of the car and walk away with minor injuries.  This is already a dangerous stretch of road and when it rains, drivers need to be extra careful.

Other units that were dispatched to assist were Rescue 3 from the Lakeside Fire District and Medic 6 from El Cajon Fire Dept.

Posted By: Firefighter/Paramedic Matthew Buzzell

Vehicle Destroyed by Engine Compartment Fire

Glenview: On Sunday, November 7th at 12:44 PM, the Lakeside Fire Protection District received calls about a "vehicle on fire" in the 12900 blk of Highway 8 Business. Engine Company 3 (Lake Jennings Station) was assigned to the incident.

On the arrival of the engine company they discovered an older model Mercedes Benz with a fully engulfed engine compartment, with fire spreading to the interior of the car. Fortunately the occupant exited the vehicle without injuries.

Firefighter-Paramedic Jose Corona completes the knock-down of the fire.

Crews extinguished the fire and conducted an initial investigation.

CHP responded to the incident to arrange for a tow. Three personnel from the Lakeside Fire District responded to the fire.

Lakeside Firefighters Assist Alpine on Double Stabbing Incident

Alpine - On Saturday night, November 6, 2010,  firefighters from Lakeside's Lake Jennings fire station (fs3) responded to assist Alpine Fire with an incident that resulted in two patients with life-threatening stab wounds. The Engine 17 crew from Alpine's Tavern Road fire station (fs17) was attending a badly-injured patient in the area of Alpine Blvd. and Rock Terrace when a second patient was discovered at another nearby location. Lakeside's Engine 3 crew responded to assist with the second patient who was also critically injured. The two victims were transported by air (Mercy Air 6) and ground (M6391) ambulances to area trauma centers.

This incident demonstrates the excellent interagency cooperation that the citizens in east county can rely on. Agencies assisting at this incident included: Alpine, Lakeside and Sycuan fire departments. AMR ambulance, CHP, and San Diego Sheriff's Office deputies.

Submitted by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Fire Crews Handle I-8 Rollover Accident

Lake Jennings Area - Fire crews from Lakeside responded to an injury rollover traffic collision on I-8 east of Lake Jennings Park Road on Saturday, November 6, 2010. The single vehicle involved appeared to have rolled several times and came to rest in the freeway center-divide. One of the two occupants of the vehicle required extrication by firefighters. Both were treated and transported to a local hospital by Lakeside Fire Department firefighter/paramedics. Lakeside Fire units attending this incident included E1, R3, E26s, and B1. The CHP is investigating this incident.

For more photographs, check this link http://eastcountynews.net/east-county-san-diego-news/i-8-rollover-sends-2-to-hospital/

CHP officers investigate the accident.

Story and photo by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Replace Smoke Detector Batteries at FS3

Lake Jennings Area - Firefighters at Lakeside's Lake Jennings fire station (fs3) added one additional task to their Saturday work routine on November 6, 2010. They took the time to replace the batteries in all of the smoke detectors in their fire station. Each of the four station bunkrooms (sleeping areas) and the hallway outside the bunkrooms have battery-powered smoke detectors.

While we constantly try and remind our citizens of the importance of having functioning smoke detectors in their homes, it is equally important that we "practice-what-we-preach" and take care of our living quarters at the fire station. Because of our unique shift schedule, firefighters spend as much as one-third of our working lives at our assigned fire stations.

Engineer/Paramedic Chris Downing said it best, "Since we are working an extra hour this shift (25 hours instead of 24, because of the time change), we thought we should put that extra hour to good use and make sure we had fresh batteries in all of our smoke detectors."

In fact, the International Association of Fire Chiefs bi-annual campaign is known as "Change your clocks, change your batteries." Lakeside Firefighters urge all of our citizens to take time today and change those smoke detector batteries.

Lakeside Firefighter/paramedic Lance Buford changes a smoke detector battery in the paramedic bunkroom at fire station 3.

Story and photos by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Is Your Phone Registered....?

http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/oes/ready/

Smoke Detectors: Time to Change Those Batteries

On November 7th we once again transition into "standard time". Other than the sadness that summer has passed, we need to be changing the batteries in ALL of your smoke detectors. I know we are relentless in reminding you of this chore..... they do work, and they do save lives.

For additional information on smoke detectors we are providing this information from the San Diego Burn Institute. For other fire safety information visit their site at:  http://www.burninstitute.org/index.php

Smoke Detectors


In a time of panic if a fire should occur in the home or office, a smoke detector provides the best protection against injury. It is estimated that 75-percent of older Americans who perished in fires did not have a working smoke alarm in their home, or the smoke alarm was inoperable due to dead or missing batteries. Do not allow yourself to become a part of this statistic. Make yourself knowledgeable about smoke detectors and be prepared.

Safety Tips:

• Choose only detectors that are tested and rated by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Look for units with hinged covers that will not close without a battery in place. Also choose units that can be tested with a flashlight to make testing safer and easier.
• Locate detectors on each level of your home and especially on the hallway ceiling near the air vents.
• Maintain units by testing batteries monthly and replacing weak ones immediately with new and tested batteries. Replace all batteries at least once a year. If in doubt, replace a detector.
• Vacuum the grillwork of your detector at least once a year. Cobwebs and dust can impair a detector’s sensitivity.
• Two questions that should be asked are:
• When was the last time the smoke detector was checked and confirmed to be in operating condition?
• Does everyone in the household know what to do if the smoke detector alarm sounds?
• Never paint a smoke detector.
• If your sleep with your bedroom doors closed, it is a good idea to also install an alarm inside the bedroom.
• Smoke rises, so mount the alarm high on a wall or on the ceiling.
• Change the batteries at least once a year. If your alarm begins making a “chirping” sound, replace immediately.
• Adults who are deaf or hard of hearing should invest in visual aids such as alarms with strobe lights. Flashing or vibrating smoke alarms should also be tested every month.

Facts and Figures:

• Smoke detectors provide the best protection against injury if a fire should occur in the home or office.
• Three characteristic of fatal house fires emphasize the importance of their early detection:
• They often start during the early morning hours when people are asleep.
• They frequently burn for a long time before being discovered; and
• More deaths are due to smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning rather than from burns.
• Use of effective detecting and alerting systems is estimated to reduce the number of fire-related deaths and injuries by at least 50%.
• FREE smoke alarms for seniors!! If you are over the age of 55, own your own home, and do not have a working smoke alarm, you qualify for a FREE smoke alarm through the Burn Institute’s Senior Smoke Alarm Program. Please call the Burn Institute at (858) 541-2277 to receive your FREE smoke alarm installation.

Just a couple of reminders when smoke alarms work:


http://lakesidefiredist.blogspot.com/2010/10/unattended-food-brings-full-structure.html

http://lakesidefiredist.blogspot.com/2010/10/lakeside-fire-crews-make-quick-work-of.html

Lakeside Fire Responds to Major Collision on Interstate 8

Flinn Springs: On Monday, November 1, 2010, at 3:23 p.m., the Lakeside Fire District received reports of a "head-on collision" on Interstate 8 just west of Dunbar Lane. A full rescue response was dispatched which included two structural engine companies, a rescue company, an ALS medic unit, and a battalion chief.

On the arrival of Engine 26s (Blossom Valley Station), firefighters discovered two vehicles with severe damage from a high energy collision between a SUV and a van. Crews determined that there were two victims, one with moderate injuries, while the second patient could not be immediately accessed due to the damage.

A CHP officer inspects a vehicle involved in a fatality accident.

Rescue 3 (Lake Jennings Station) was assigned to start extrication operations on the van that had come to rest on its side. Due to the extended extrication time, an aeromedical helicopter ( Mercy Air) was requested to respond to the scene in anticipation of transporting this occupant. Crews were able to immediately access the patient in the SUV where she was treated for fractures and transported to Sharp Memorial Trauma Center.

Unfortunately upon reaching the other patient, it was determined that he had succumbed to his injuries. Mercy Air was subsequently canceled.

The accident closed most of the lanes of Interstate 8, which resulted in a significant traffic jam that reached back to the El Cajon Valley. CHP is currently investigating this accident.

Agencies assisting Lakeside included Alpine and Viejas Fire. In all 12 personnel from Lakeside Fire responded, assisted by 4 personnel from Alpine Fire and 2 from Viejas Fire

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District
Photos By: Captain Dalldorf, Lakeside Fire District