Accident Sends Cyclist to Trauma Center

Glenview-

On Wednesday, September 28, 2011, at 2:43 p.m., the Lakeside Fire Protection District received calls reference a motorcyclist down in the intersection of Los Coches Rd and Ora Belle Ln. Both Engine 3 and Medic 3 were dispatched from the Lake Jennings Fire Station.

Firefighter-Paramedic Chris Williams inspects the bike for damage. Specific types of damage can indicate potential injuries to the rider.

Upon arrival, the paramedics initiated rapid trauma treatment and packaging for a single patient with moderate injuries. The rider states he was traveling at 50 mph when he lost control of the bike. Evidence at the scene indicated that he may have also struck a light pole as the bike skidded to a stop.

The patient was transported to the Sharp Memorial Trauma Center for further evaluation of his injuries. The CHP is currently investigating the accident.

Dispatched Lakeside units: E3 M3. Total personnel: 5 

Automatic Aid Response Holds Harbison Canyon Fire to 5 Acres

Harbison Canyon Area-

On Monday, September 19, 2011 at 12:27 p.m., Lakeside firefighters were dispatched to the T.H. Bar Ranch Trail (Harbison Canyon Area) as part of a multi-agency response to a vegetation fire. The initial dispatch included units from Lakeside Fire, CalFire, Alpine Fire, San Miguel Fire, El Cajon Fire,  San Diego County Fire Authority, and Sycuan Fire.

CalFire and Lakeside Firefighters start the hose lay on Division Alpha. This hose lay would prevent the fire from extending down the canyon.

On the arrival of Battalion 7 (Paskle-Alpine Fire, he reported a quarter-acre fire threatening structures and moving up slope. First arriving units were placed on the threatened structures while CalFire and Lakeside units started an extended hose lay in the steep terrain.

Firefighters navigate the hose lay through a maze of boulders.

Steep terrain hampered firefighters ability to advance the hose line.

With the arrival of the aircraft, drops were made to cut off the fire's advance toward the structures in the area. The CalFire S-2 airtankers made precision drops in the deep canyon while County Copters 10 and 12 worked the flanks keeping the fire in check while ground crews slowly advanced through the thick ground cover.

One of the County Copters making a water drop.

Fixed wing aircraft making drops over the fire.

With persistent effort, the crews were eventually able to surround the fire and stop its forward progress. Unfortunately a firefighter suffered an injury when a large rock rolled off the steep hillside striking him as he worked.

A total of 7 Lakeside Fire personnel responded to the incident. Crews were released around 4:20 p.m. The cause of the fire is under investigation by CalFire.

Dispatched Lakeside Fire units: BR26 E3

Photos and Story By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Assist in Paraglider Rescue

El Monte - 

Lakeside firefighters were called to the El Monte Valley on the afternoon of Sunday, September 18, 2011, after several citizens at El Monte County Park witnessed a paraglider make a crash landing on the face of El Cajon Mountain. While enroute the area, Lakeside Battalion 1 (Lawler) requested aerial assistance from  the San Diego County Sheriff's helicopter program. Responding fire crews staged at El Monte Park and, with the assistance of several citizens, were able to visualize the injured paraglider pilot high-up on the face of the mountain. County Copter 10 responded from Gillespie Field in El Cajon and quickly made contact with the victim who had suffered traumatic injuries. The Copter 10 crew performed a hoist rescue and delivered the patient to waiting firefighter/paramedics at the park. The injured pilot was transported to Sharp Memorial Trauma Center in San Diego.

Lakeside units attending this incident included: E1, E2, R3, M3, and B1.

Story submitted by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Vegetation Fire Extends into Structure

Glenview-

On Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 8:51 a.m., the Lakeside Fire District received calls reference a vegetation fire in the 13200 blk of Aurora Dr. Callers reported that the fire had extended into a patio area and was threatening structures.

Reserve Firefighter David Csik extends an attack line to the still smoldering deck area.

On the arrival of Battalion 1 (Laff), he discovered a small brush fire that had extended into the deck area of an adjoining structure. Fortunately local residents armed with garden hoses were able to keep the fire from extending further into the structure. Upon the arrival of Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Station), a hoseline was pulled and the area was overhauled.

Damage to the deck area from this small fire was significant

A point to remember: Even though this is a small area, it doesn't take much to suffer structural damage when clearance (green zone) is inadequate

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Approximately $1000 of structural damage occurred.

Dispatched Lakeside Fire units: E3, E1, E2, B1, M1; San Miguel unit: B23;CalFire unit: E3382

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Kitchen Fire Brings Multi-Agency Response to Lakeside

Los Coches - 

An early afternoon kitchen fire brought firefighters from several agencies to Lakeside on September 16, 2011. Heartland Fire Communications received a 911 call from a resident of the home in the 13200 block of Aurora Drive at 2:40 p.m. Heartland dispatchers promptly alerted the closest fire stations. Firefighters from Lakeside's Lake Jennings fire station (fs3) were first on scene reporting light smoke from a single family home. As firefighters were stretching a hoseline to attack the fire, the smoke became much heavier and fire was observed burning in the kitchen. The attack line was advanced into the smoky structure and the fire was quickly knocked down.

Units assigned to this incident included: E1, E3, M3, B1 (Lakeside); E8, T6 (El Cajon); E19 (San Miguel).

This call demonstrates the excellent teamwork that occurs between the 911 dispatchers and the fire crews that they assign to emergency responses. On this incident, the first-in fire engine (Engine 3) was on the scene and taking action to stop a dangerous and rapidly growing fire in just over seven minutes from the time the 911 call was answered at Heartland Fire Communications. 

Firefighters make entry with hoseline.

Bringing in tools for overhaul

Story Submitted by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photos by: Alex Peltier, Paramedic Intern

Lakeside Firefighters Extinguish Brake Fire

Los Coches -

Firefighters from Lakeside's Lake Jennings fire station (fs3) attended a brake fire on a semi-tractor trailer rig on westbound I-8 near Los Coches road on Saturday, September 10, 2011. The crew from Engine 3 could smell the hot brakes as they left quarters enroute the fire scene. Several passers-by were attempting to extinguish the fire with dry chemical fire extinguishers as Engine 3 arrived on scene. While firefighters were setting-up to attack the fire, one of the tires blew which always makes these calls more interesting. The fire was quickly extinguished with a preconnected hoseline. Engine 3's firefighters used their thermal imaging camera to identify remaining hot areas and spent several minutes making sure the brakes and tires were cooled-off before picking-up. Lakeside firefighters respond to several of these types of fires every year, especially on the section of  Interstate 8 that traverses our fire district.

Reserve firefighter Kyle Zauss cools off the rims and tires as Firefighter-paramedic Eric Stamm assists.

Story and Photo Submitted by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Early Morning Crash Closes Southbound Highway 67

Foster-

On Tuesday, September 6, 2011, at 5:28 a.m., the Lakeside Fire Protection District received 911 calls reference a vehicle accident on Highway 67 north of Vigilante Rd. Two structural engines, one rescue company, two ALS medic units and a battalion chief were dispatched to the incident.

One of many vehicles heavily damaged in the incident.

On the arrival of Engine 2 (Eucalyptus Hills Station), they discovered an accident that included multiple vehicles with significant damage. One vehicle had flipped onto its roof while another had been catapulted onto the barrier wall. The crew started identifying injured occupants and assessing the need for extrication. On the arrival of Battalion 1 (Tockstein), command was established and additional equipment was requested.

Fire units were forced to park in the northbound lanes as southbound could not be accessed.

Rescue 3 (Lake Jennings Station) and Engine 4 (Cottonwood-SanteeFD) arrived and assisted in the treatment of two patients that had moderate injuries. A third patient was identified but her injuries did not appear life threatening. Medic 4 (Santee Fire) and Medic 9 (El Cajon Fire) transported patients to the trauma center at Sharp Memorial. An AMR ambulance transported a third patient to Pomerado Hospital.

The accident resulted in an extended shutdown of the southbound lanes of Highway 67 while tow crews worked to clear lanes.

A total of 7 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident, assisted by 5 personnel fro the Santee Fire Department, and 2 from the El Cajon Fire Department.

The accident is currently being investigated by CHP.

Dispatched Lakeside units: B1 E2 R3. Santee units: E4 M4. El Cajon units: M9

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District
Photos By: Fire Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Wildcat Accident Sends Two to the Trauma Center

Wildcat Canyon-

On Labor Day, September 5, 2011, at 10:50 a.m., the Lakeside Fire Protection District received calls of an auto accident with a trapped victim in the 12800 block of Wildcat Canyon Rd. A joint response from the Lakeside and Barona fire agencies consisted of two structural engines, a truck company, a rescue company, two ALS medic units, and two battalion chiefs.

Firefighter-Paramedic Brian Moore communicates with the radio room at Sharp Memorial.

With the arrival of Battalion 8 (Kremensky-Barona), two moderate/acute trauma victims were located. One of the victims appeared to be trapped in the full size pick-up truck. The crew from Truck 27 (Barona) was able to open a door and make access to the injured occupant and initiate care.

The crew from Barona Truck 27 works on a patient that required extrication.

One victim showed signs of significant shock and was immediately transported by Medic 1 (Riverview fire station) to the trauma center at Sharp Memorial. With the arrival of Medic 3 (Lake Jennings fire station) the second victim was transported to the same facility.

The accident is currently being investigated by CHP. A total of 14 Lakeside personnel responded to the alarm, assisted by 4 personnel from the Barona Fire District.

Dispatched Lakeside units: B1 E2 E1 R3 M1 M3. Barona units: B8 T27.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Cyclist Injured in Remote Section of Lake Jennings

Lake Jennings Park-

On Sunday, September 4th, 2011 at 11:54AM, the Lakeside Fire District received a 911 call for the park rangers at Lake Jennings reference a cyclist that had taken a 15 foot fall in a remote section of the lake. A rescue company and ALS medic unit were dispatched to the scene.

The crew of Medic 3 load the injured cyclist into the ambulance.

The ranger staff at the lake led Medic 3 and Rescue 3 to an area east of the campground on a hiking trail. Crews assessed a patient with shoulder pain after a fall from a mountain bike. Crews were able to extricate the patient to the medic unit.

The patient was transported to a local hospital via Lakeside Medic 3.

Dispatched Lakeside units: R3 M3

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow

Lakeside Firefighters Climb to Honor 9-11 Responders

San Diego, CA -

 

A team of Lakeside firefighters were among several hundred firefighters, police officers, and civilians who participated in The San Diego 9-11 Memorial Stairclimb on September 3, 2011, at the Bayfront Hilton hotel. The event, which was hosted by the San Diego Fireman's Relief Association, is one of many held nationwide to honor both the responders and civilians who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Each participant committed to climb a total of 110 stories (the height of the twin towers in Manhattan) in honor of one of the 343 FDNY firefighters, 23 NYPD, and 37 Port Authority police officers who gave their lives in the line-of-duty that day.

The pre-climb ceremony included a presentation of colors by the Chula Vista Fire Department Color Guard and traditional music by the San Diego Firefighters Emerald Society pipes and drums.

The event was also a fundraiser for the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation and San Diego-based charity FirefighterAid.

 Lakeside firefighters consider it an honor to participate in such an important event and we ask that, as the anniversary of the 9-11 attacks approaches, everyone take some time to reflect on the events of that day and the sacrifices that were made. Above all, let's NEVER FORGET!

Our team climbed in honor of the following 9-11 responders:

FF John A. Schardt, Engine 201; FF Thomas W. Kelly, Ladder 15; PM Ricardo J. Quinn, EMS Battalion 57; FF Lincoln Quappe, Rescue 2; FF Robert W. Spear, Engine 26; Lt. Peter L Freund, Engine 55; Capt. Frank J. Callahan, Ladder 35; FF Lawrence Veling, Engine 235; Lt. Michael T. Quilty, Ladder 11; FF Michael Montesi, Rescue 1; FF Paul Ruback, Ladder 25.

From left, Lakeside Firefighters Bernie Molloy, Scott Culkin, Marc Poynter, Jon Jordan, Chuck Palmore, Beto Lawler, and Ian Lowe

Lakeside's team finishing strong!

Firefighter's kids  join us for an after-climb photo.

We climbed in memory of the 9-11 responders.

Story Submitted by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photos by:  Anna Lowe and Jennifer Molloy

View more videos at: http://nbcsandiego.com.

Vehicle Crashes onto El Capitan Ball Field

Lakeside-

On Friday, September 2nd, 2011 at 3:07 a.m., the Lakeside Fire District received a call that a vehicle had left Ashwood Street and was now resting on the El Capitan High School baseball field. One structural engine, a rescue company, ALS medic unit, and battalion chief (Tockstein) were dispatched to the incident.

On the arrival of Battalion 1, he discovered a vehicle sitting in the middle of right field with an occupant still in the car. Engine 2 accessed the area and made contact with a sole occupant who had  minor complaints of pain. The occupant was evaluated by the paramedics assigned to Medic 3 and transported to Grossmont Hospital for further evaluation.

Fire personnel from Engine 2 and Medic 3 evaluate the only occupant in the vehicle.

Ironically, the car breached the fence at the same location of a previous incident, thus there was little new damage to the facility.  

CHP is currently investigating the accident. A total of 9 Lakeside Fire personnel responded to the early morning incident.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District

Engine 3 Handles Vehicle Fire

Camino Canada -

A vehicle fire in the parking lot of the Denny's restaurant brought the C-division crew from Lakeside's Lake Jennings fire station (fs3) on the morning of September 1, 2011. Despite bystander attempts to extinguish the fire with several dry chemical extinguishers, the engine compartment was well-involved with fire on the arrival of Engine 3. Firefighters donned breathing apparatus and knocked-down the fire with a preconnected hoseline and water from Engine 3's booster tank. 

Upon investigation, it appeared that the engine compartment had several nests of grass and dry leaves (probably rat or mice nests). The hot engine parts ignited the vegetation, sparking the fire.

Lakeside firefighter Shawn McKenna cools-off the engine compartment.

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