Lakeside Firefighters Join in Memorial Day Observance

Lakeside, CA -

Lakeside Firefighters from the Lake Jennings (fs3) and Eucalyptus Hills (fs2) fire stations joined Lakeside VFW Post 5867 in commemorating Memorial Day at a community observance. A solemn ceremony was conducted by members of the Post as well as distinguished speakers and members of our military.

In addition, there were fire engines, firefighting helicopters, and a paramedic ambulance on display to show the citizens of Lakeside the equipment available to protect them from a variety of emergencies.

As we remember those lost in service to our nation, the Lakeside Fire District and all of its employees would like to take this opportunity to thank our active and retired members of the military who work so hard and sacrifice so much to keep our country safe.

Lakeside Firefighters pose with Major General Thomas L. Conant, Commanding General, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, members of his staff, and members of Lakeside VFW Post 5867.

Story and Photo by: Captain Jim Kirkpatrick, Lakeside Fire District

Quick Response Stops Vegetation Fire in Lakeside

Foster, CA -

Numerous fire units from multiple agencies got a quick handle on a 3-acre vegetation fire near the San Vicente dam on Thursday, May 26, 2011. Lakeside Battalion 1 (Tockstein) requested a high-wildland resource dispatch while enroute as he had a smoke column visible from a distance. Both Central Zone (Heartland Communications) and CalFire sent full responses due to the fire potential in this area. In addition to the ground units, CalFire sent an air tactical supervisor (AA330) and an air tanker (T75) from the nearby Ramona Air Attack base as well as a helitack crew (Copter12) from Gillespie Field in El Cajon.

The fire made a rapid run up a steep slope in light fuels and was held at the ridgeline. Firefighters from Lakeside and CalFire put in hoselays to surround the fire. Central Zone resources assigned to this incident included: E2, E3, Br26, M3, B1 (Lakeside); Br4, E5 (Santee); Br18, Br23 (San Miguel); Br225 (Viejas); B8 (Barona). The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The fire was on the backside of this hill. Firefighters held it at the ridgeline.

Copter 12 makes a drop in steep terrain.

Story by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photos by: Captain Scott Culkin and FF/PM Bing Tom

Structure Fire at the Lakeside Jack in the Box

Lakeside, CA-  Lakeside firefighters were alerted at approximately 2:00 a.m. on May 25, 2011,  for reports of smoke coming from the roof of the Jack in the Box Restaurant on Woodside Avenue. When Engine and Medic 1 (Riverview station) arrived on scene, there was a steady production of heavy smoke from the parapet wall above the structure.

The concrete tiles had to be removed to get to the fire

On an initial inspection, it was discovered there was no fire in the building or on the roof; the fire was burning within the parapet wall on the northeast corner of the building. Additional units from Lakeside fire station 2 (Eucalyptus Hills) and fire station 3 (Lake Jennings) arrived quickly to aid with the suppression of the fire. Engine and Truck 4 (Santee) also responded to assist. Truck 4 used their aerial ladder to access the roof and crews went up to extinguish the fire and keep it from spreading into the restaurant below.

To access the area that was burning, many of the concrete tiles on the roof had to be removed and holes were cut into the roofline. In the end, all of the burning material was cut out of the roof and removed.  The fire never spread to the restaurant below. The fire was ultimately determined to have been caused by a malfunctioning exterior light.

View Lakeside Incidents and Story Map in a larger map

Story by:  Engineer / Paramedic Bernie Molloy, Lakeside Fire District

Picture provided by: Engineer Carl Chiodo, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Units Assist with Trench Rescue

ALPINE: At 11:11 a.m. on May 23, 2011, firefighters from Alpine, Lakeside, and CalFire responded to report of man injured in a construction trench.

The man was struck by an explosive device used to break rock and rendered unconscious for a period of time. The victim was stabilized in the trench and then carried out using a stokes stretcher and a low-angle safety line. The injured man was then ground transported by AMR paramedics to a landing zone where he was then flown by a Mercy Air helicopter to a local area trauma center.

FD, EMS, Padre Dam and construction personnel all worked seamlessly to effect a quick and safe rescue and transport of the 30 y/o man. Responding units included; ACP E17, Batt. 7, CalFire 3382, LKS R3, LKS E26, AMR M17, MercyAir-6

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Story and pictures by Capt. Rick Dalldorf

Fall Into Los Coches Creek Results in Injuries

Flinn Springs: On Sunday, May 22, 2011, at 4:24p.m., the Lakeside Fire District received a call of a juvenile that had fallen into Los Coches Creek inside of Flinn Springs Park. A rescue company and ALS medic unit were sent to the scene. En route, crews received an update that the USFS Laguna Hotshots were on-scene with the patient.

Crews from Lakeside and the Laugna Hotshots work to stabilize the patient.

On arrival, crews met with members of the hotshot crew and received a status update. EMT's on the hotshot crew had accessed the area and initiated an assessment and treatment of the patient. It was determined that the patient had potential spinal injuries and a possible arm fracture. Also complicating matters was the patient's partial submersion in cold water which can quickly result in hypothermia.

The patient is removed from the area and taken to the awaiting medic unit for transport.

After stabilization, both the Lakeside and USFS crews lifted the patient out of the rough terrain which consists of large boulders. The patient was transported via Lakeside Medic 3 to Children's Trauma for evaluation.

It was fortunate for this patient that the Laguna Hotshots happened to be near the incident and could immediately start patient care.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Rescue Trapped Motorist

Lakeside, CA -

A traffic collision with entrapment brought a full rescue response from Lakeside firefighters on Saturday, May 21, 2011. The incident in the 9600 block of Los Coches Road required the attendance of Lakeside Engine 1, Engine 2, Rescue 3, Medic 3, and Battalion 1. Firefighter-paramedics provided immediate advanced life support care for the trapped driver while other crews used hydraulic rescue equipment to extricate her from the severely damaged vehicle. Once freed from her vehicle, the injured driver was transported by Lakeside firefighter-paramedics to an area trauma center. The accident is under investigation by the CHP.

Firefighter Todd Welch stands-by with a charged hoseline.

Once the doors are removed, firefighters go to work on the "B" pillar.

Engineer-paramedic Chris Downing makes the final cut on the bottom of the "B" pillar.

Complete side removal allows safe extrication of an injured occupant.

Story by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photos by: Captain John Hisaw, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Assists with El Cajon Structure Fire

El Cajon, CA -

Firefighters from Lakeside's Lake Jennings fire station (fs3) responded to assist units dispatched to a fire in the 1400 block of Peach Avenue in El Cajon on Saturday, May 21, 2011.  Engine 3's crew assisted with water supply and fire attack for a smoky fire in the attic space of a large portable classroom building behind a church. The fire was quickly confined and extinguished with a hoseline off of San Miguel E19. Other units attending this fire included E23 (SMG); E6, T6, and B3 (ELC).

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Submitted by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Rain Brings Back-to-Back Vehicle Rescues

Highway 67 Corridor: Heartland firefighters were busy on the morning of May 17, 2011, with two "over the side" rescues due to the rain.

The first rescue call was received around 9:30 a.m.  Multiple fire units from Lakeside, Santee, and Poway were dispatched to westbound Scripps Poway Parkway, one mile West of Highway 67.  Upon arrival, Lakeside Engine 1 found a single SUV over-the-side about 25 yards down the hill. It appeared the vehicle had rolled one time and had come to rest downslope in the brush. Fortunately, witnesses were able to direct firefighters to the victim as the car could not be seen from the roadway.

Santee Fire Battalion 2 established command. Santee Rescue 5 (Carlton Hills Station) was assigned Rescue Group along with Lakeside Engine 26s (Blossom Valley Station). Engine 1 (Riverview station) was assigned Medical Group.  Engine 1 was assisted by Lakeside M3 (Lake Jennings station) and Poway Engine 3713.  They found one patient in the vehicle with minor injuries. The patient received prompt trauma care and was hauled-up the hill with a rope system set up by the Rescue Group.  The patient was transported to Sharp Memorial due to her age and mechanism of injury.

Lakeside, Santee and Poway firefighters establish an anchor point to haul the victim up to the roadway.

The crew from Lakeside Engine 1, and Lakeside Medic 3, carry the victim uphill on a rope system.

 Just as units had finished cleaning up their equipment, Heartland Dispatch informed Engine 1 of a report of another vehicle over the side on Highway 67 near the top of the Slaughterhouse Grade.  All units were dispatched again along with Santee Medic 4.  Upon arrival, Santee Battalion 2 found a single SUV that had gone over the side from the northbound lanes of Highway 67.  As before Medical Group and Rescue Group was assigned.

Lakeside and Santee fire crews work to extricate the occupant of the vehicle. Later a rope system was used to raise her back up to Highway 67 for transport to the hospital.

This time Engine 26s was assigned Extrication Group due to the vehicles doors would not open.  A small portable hydraulic spreader was used to pop open the driver's side door.  The patient was assessed by Medical Group and found to have minor injuries.  The patient received immediate trauma care and was hauled to the top of the hill on a rope system.  The patient was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital for evaluation.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Wes Barnes, Lakeside Fire District
Photos By: Fire Captain Wes Barnes and Fire Engineer Ian Lowe, Lakeside Fire

Lakeside Firefighters Extinguish Small Grass Fire

Rios Canyon -

Heartland Fire Communications received numerous 911 calls for a fire in the vegetation at Pecan Park Lane and Rios Canyon Road just before noon on May 15, 2011. Firefighters from Lakeside's Lake Jennings fire station (fs3) were first on scene and quickly extinguished a large spot fire in the grass field.

The fire was caused by sparks from a power saw cutting metal posts. This incident is a good reminder that great care must be taken when using power tools around dry vegetation. There is an abundance of grass in Southern California this spring due to the winter rains we had. This fuel type is easily ignited and fire spreads very quickly through it.

Assisting agencies on this incident included El Cajon, CalFire, and San Diego Sheriff.

This fire spread quickly through the cured-grass fuels.

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

Lakeside Engine 3 and Medic 3 Visit Lakeview Elementary

Lakeview: The crew from the Lake Jennings Station (#3) had the opportunity to visit with the first graders from Mrs. Zmijewski's class at Lakeview Elementary School. This was an opportunity to mix a little safety message, career guidance, with.....well fun!

The class had the opportunity to see the equipment used by firefighters as part of their job. The kids had the opportunity to don turnout gear, and tour the interior of Medic 3.

These first graders had some great questions......thanks for the invitation.

The kids got to put on structural firefighting gear. The consensus was that it's "heavy"..

Demonstrating our full protective gear needed for structural firefighting.

The class got to see the paramedic equipment on the apparatus.

Firefighter-Paramedic Eric Stamm showing the kids some of the "tools of the trade".

We even managed to get Mrs "Z" (Zmijewski) in the back of the medic unit.

The group..

Smoke Detector Alerts Occupant to Potentially Disastrous Fire

Glenview: On Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at 6:45p.m., the Lakeside Fire District received a phone call from a resident requesting assistance with an extinguished fire in his home. Engine 3 from the Lake Jennings station responded to the call in the area of the 8400 block of South Happy Way.

On the arrival of the fire department, firefighters soon uncovered a story that is both a testimony to having a working smoke detector in the home and the dangers of unattended cigarettes.

The fire on this ottoman caused paint blistering and charring to nearby objects. It doesn't take much

The occupant stated that he had been in the garage area smoking when he elected to cook dinner. In the process a cigarette was left unattended in the garage area. While cooking dinner a hallway smoke detector activated. Believing that the alarm was a result of his cooking they attempted to reset the alarm. But while attempting to silence the alarm they realized that there was a fire in their garage area.

Upon exiting the dwelling, the occupants discovered a significant fire on an ottoman and carpeted floor. The homeowner was able to extinguish the fire with the use of a garden hose (not recommended by your fire agency). In the investigation, it was discovered that significant heat was present in the garage and that this fire could have easily consumed the home.

A disaster was averted because this occupant had a properly functioning smoke detector in the home. Had that detector not been there, this fire certainly would have become significantly bigger (possibly destroying the home).

The fact remains that smoking in the home is a significant source of fires. Every year 1,000 people die from fires started by smoking material.

If you smoke, or live in a home with a smoker, check this website for information (LINK).

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Locate Fully Engulfed Vehicle on Rescue Call

Lakeview Area: On Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 3:54a.m., the Lakeside Fire District received a call about a vehicle that had left the roadway on Lakeview Rd, north of Morning Glory Dr. A full rescue response was dispatched including two structural engines, a rescue company, an ALS medic unit, and a battalion chief.

The crew from Engine One take action to extinguish the blaze.

En route, crews received a number of additional calls from residents in the area that could now see smoke and could hear "horns" honking in the area.

On arrival of Engine One (Riverview Station), firefighters discovered a fully engulfed SUV in the canyon area east of Lakeview Rd. Because of skid marks located on the road, crews were concerned that an occupant may still be in the vehicle. Crews advanced a hose line into the canyon and extinguished the fire. On inspection of the vehicle, no occupants were located. A search was made of the area but no victims were located.

A total of 9 Lakeside Fire personnel were sent to the alarm assisted by three personnel from the El Cajon Fire Department. CHP is investigating the incident.

Submitted By; Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District
Photos By: Firefighter-Paramedic Chris Williams, Lakeside Fire District

Motorcyclist Injured on Highway 8 Business

Glenview: On Wednesday, May 11th at 11:32am, the Lakeside Fire District received calls about a downed motorcycle rider in the 13400 block of Highway 8 Business. Units dispatched included Engine One (Riverview Station), Rescue 3 (Lake Jennings Station) and Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Station).

Fire crews discovered a single rider down in the roadway with complaints of pain and a possible loss of consciousness. Crews initiated rapid trauma care and the patient was transported to the Trauma Unit at Sharp Memorial Hospital.

Crews load the injured rider for transport to Sharp Trauma.

Occupants in a vehicle involved in the accident were not injured. Crews assisted CHP with traffic control till the roadway was clear.

The accident is currently being investigated by the CHP. A total of 8 personnel from the Lakeside Fire District responded to the incident.

This accident occurred at the same location as a prior motorcycle accident that occurred recently (LINK)

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Get Ready for Wildland Fire Season

Lakeside, CA -

Lakeside along with other Central Zone fire agencies will be busy this month preparing for the upcoming wildland fire season. This annual training, known as RT-130, involves both a classroom and manipulative drill and satisfies a mandatory training requirement for firefighters who will be deployed on wildand fire incidents. The focus of the training is firefighter safety and includes practice in deploying a wildland fire shelter. These shelters are used as a last resort for firefighters who become trapped or burned-over during a wildland fire incident.

While it is vitally important that we are prepared for the inevitable fire season, it is equally important that our local residents are also prepared. One of the best ways residents can help firefighters is to provide 100 feet of defensible space around residences. For an excellent resource on on wildfire preparedness, CLICK HERE.

Local agencies that attended today's drill included San Miguel Fire (Br14, Br23, B6), La Mesa Fire (T11), El Cajon Fire (E9), Santee Fire (E5, M5, 4201), Viejas Fire (Br225), and Lakeside Fire (E3, M3). The drill was facilitated by Battalion Chief Steve Swaney (Heartland Fire & Rescue) and Engineer Nick Nava (Viejas Fire).

Firefighters conduct an "after-action review" of the drill.

Several Central Zone agencies attended the drill.

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

Lakeside Fire Crews Respond to Fatality Accident on Interstate 8

Dunbar Area: On May 6, 2011, at 12:03 a.m., the Lakeside Fire District received calls about a vehicle that had left the freeway on Interstate 8 just east of the Dunbar Rd under crossing. A full rescue response was dispatched that included two structural engines, one rescue company, an ALS medic unit, and a battalion chief.

Crews evaluate the operations needed in the recovery process.

On the arrival of Engine 17 (Alpine Fire), they discovered a vehicle that had left the freeway and was about 85 feet over the side. On the arrival of Battalion 1 (Laff), incident command was established and crews received their assignments.

As firefighters accessed the scene, it was discovered that the single occupant had suffered fatal injuries during the incident and extrication would be required in the recovery process.

A firefighter uses a hydraulic ram to remove the roof of the vehicle.

Crews stood-by until the CHP and the San Diego Medical Examiner could complete their investigations. Firefighters then performed extrication operations to recover the body. The crew of Rescue 3 was able to recover the body, and was subsequently turned over to the crew from the Medical Examiners Department.

The response to this incident included 9 personnel from the Lakeside Fire District assisted by four members from the Alpine Fire District.

The accident is currently under investigation by the CHP.

Submitted By: Battalion Chief Ron Laff