Aircraft Crash in Sycamore Preserve brings Multi-Agency Response

Sycamore Preserve-

On Saturday, December 29th, 2012, at 10:26 a.m., the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a call that an aircraft had crashed and was on a hillside above the Slaughterhouse Canyon area. A rescue response was dispatched which included three structural engines, a rescue company, and ALS medic unit, and a chief officer. While enroute to the call, crews received additional information from hikers who witnessed the crash and were able to give a detailed location of the plane. In addition, CALFIRE initiated a response to the incident.

Firefighters use ropes to secure the plane.

Both ASTREA, and Copter 10 arrived in the area and quickly located the plane. Crew members from the copter made foot access to the site and soon reported the grim findings that there were no survivors. They also reported that the plane was unstable and could slide further down into the canyon.

Firefighters work with staff from the Medical Examiners office to remove the victims.

Firefighters from Lakeside Engine 1 (Riverview Station), and Engine 2 (Riverpark Station) made access to the area and determined that Rescue 3 would be needed to secure the aircraft. Lakeside Division Chief Chuck Tockstein assumed incident commander and started coordinating with other agencies. With the assistance of two CALFIRE engine companies, Rescue 3 made access through the Sycamore Preserve.

Firefighters worked to secure the aircraft on the hillside with rope systems. Crew members used power tool to assist the Medical Examiner with the task of extricating the victims from the plane. At 3:30 p.m., crews had completed their operations and turned the scene over to the Sheriff's department.

Lakeside Fire was assisted by CALFIRE and the Santee Fire Department.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District
Photos By: Division Chief Chuck Tockstein, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighter Shawn McKenna Promoted to Engineer

Lakeside, CA - 

Veteran Lakeside firefighter Shawn McKenna has been promoted to the rank of fire engineer. In a short ceremony at the fire board meeting on December 11, 2012, Lakeside fire chief Andy Parr presented firefighter McKenna with his new badge. In addition to his many work colleagues, Shawn's family was in attendance at the ceremony. Shawn's wife Carmen participated in the long-held fire service tradition of pinning her husband with his new engineer badge.

The fire engineer is the firefighter tasked with driving and operating all of a station's apparatus. Shawn's first assignment will be at Lakeside fire station 3 (Lake Jennings) on C-division.

Shawn's wife Carmen carefully pins on his new badge.

Shawn, Carmen, Xavier, and Kasey McKenna.

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

Lakeside Firefighters Respond to Chimney Fire

Winter Gardens, CA - 

Lakeside Firefighters were alerted at 4:24 a.m. on December 12, 2012, to a report of smoke in the attic and living area of a residential structure in the Gay Rio area of the fire district. Engine 1 (Riverview fire station) was on scene in just over 7 minutes reporting moderate smoke production from the roof and wall area adjacent to the home's fireplace. Firefighters used hand tools and a chainsaw to open both interior and exterior walls to discover fire extending into the attic space. The fire was quickly extinguished using a preconnected handline off of Engine 1.

This is the time of year where the incidence of chimney fires increases dramatically. During the fall and winter months, many Lakeside residents increase the use of their fireplaces.  This incident provides a timely reminder to have chimneys regularly inspected and cleaned. A properly inspected and cleaned chimney reduces the chance of a dangerous chimney fire which often extends into a home's attic and living space.

On this early morning incident, a rapid response by an adequate number of firefighters kept this fire from becoming much more destructive. Units attending this incident included: E1, E2, M2, Division 4106 (Lakeside); E19 (San Miguel); E8 (El Cajon); T4 (Santee). Also assisting were San Diego Sheriff's deputies.

As always, Lakeside Fire would like to thank our automatic aid partners for their assistance on this fire.

Firefighters "opening up" the exterior wall.

Fire is knocked-down with handline.

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photos by: Captain Bernie Molloy, Lakeside Fire District

Motor Home Burns on Maine Ave.

Lakeside, CA -

 At approximately 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11, 2012, Lakeside Fire units 4105, E2, and E1 were dispatched to reports of a motor home that was on fire in downtown Lakeside near the corner of Maine Ave. and Laurel St.

Crews found the fully involved motor home spreading to a fence and utility pole

When units were leaving station 2 there was a large column of black smoke visible from the area where the fire was reported. 4105 arrived on scene first and reported there was a fully involved small motor home with a utility pole and a fence also becoming involved.

The view of the motor home after the fire was suppressed

 E2 arrived just behind 4105 and began a rapid attack on the fire with two hose lines. E1 arrived next and assisted the crew from E2 and provided a water source. The occupant of the motor home stated that the engine on the vehicle had stalled and when he pulled off the road he instantly noticed smoke and flames coming from the engine compartment. He quickly vacated the vehicle.

The interior of the motor home was completely destroyed

 The fire grew intensely to the point that it ignited a utility pole an a fence that were immediately adjacent to but not touching the vehicle. The fire was stopped by the Lakeside Fire crews before it could spread to any structures. The motor home, as is obvious from the pictures, was completely destroyed by the fire.

The pole and the fence are visible in this picture

Photos and story by:  Captain Bernie Molloy, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighter Helps with Spanish Language Holiday Safety Message

Tom Owen Training Facility – El Cajon:

As a firefighter here in East County, you never know what your day will hold, so is the way it went for Lakeside's Engine 3 crew on Tuesday, December 4, 2012.  The Engine 3-C crew (Captain-Paramedic Wes Barnes, Engineer-Paramedic Lance Buford, and Firefighter-Paramedic Jose Corona) were at Thomas Owen Training Tower in El Cajon attending the annual Hazmat refresher training with other Heartland-area fire units.

While this training was being conducted a public information presentation was being held to advise the public about common holiday hazards. Suddenly the need for a bilingual firefighter was needed to conduct an interview with Univision TV (Channel 17). At the request of Heartland Fire-Rescue Battalion Chief Ted Kakuris, Lakeside Firefighter Corona quickly volunteered to conduct the assignment.

During this fire prevention event Firefighter Corona was able to convey the hazards related to Christmas decorations, flammable clothing, and cooking hazards to the Spanish speaking community.

Of course, Jose now was expected to fulfill the long-standing fire service tradition of buying ice cream for his crew! Great job Jose and thanks for the ice cream.

Submitted By : Fire Captain Wes Barnes, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Respond To A Mobile Home Fire

Riverview-

At 5:17 p.m. on Saturday, November 24, 2012, the Heartland Communications Center received an urgent 911 call reporting a mobile home on fire at Gray Buckner's Mobile Home Lodge located at 12030 Woodside Ave. A first alarm structure response was dispatched within one minute.

Flames spread quickly throughout the rear of the mobile home.

The first fire unit was on scene less than four minutes later. Lakeside Engine 1 (Riverview fire station) arrived to report a working fire with flames and heavy smoke coming from the rear of a single wide mobile home. As additional units arrived minutes later, an aggressive attack was made on the fire. Lakeside Battalion 4106 (Kirkpatrick) took over Incident Command(IC) from Engine 1.

Interior fire attack was initiated through the front door.

 Knock down of the flames was reported by the interior fire crews at 5:39 p.m. The blaze was confined to one mobile home with no damaged to neighboring homes. Fire units assisting in the firefight included Engine 1, Engine 2, Medic 2, Engine 3, Division 4106, Support 4140 and 4141 (Lakeside); Engine 4, Truck 4, and Rescue 5 (Santee).

Overhaul plans being discussed by the IC.

Incident support was provided by the Lakeside Logistics Volunteer Group(LVG). A total of 25 fire personnel were utilized on the incident. The Red Cross provided assistance for two adults who were displaced by the fire which was determined to be caused by faulty wiring.

Photos by: Steve Russo and Robert Williams, Lakeside Fire District

Post by: Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire District

Fully-Involved Mobile Home Challenges Lakeside Firefighters

Glenview -

On Friday, November 16, 2012, at 1235 hours, Lakeside Firefighters were alerted to a reported fire in a residence in the 13200 block of Aurora Drive in the Glenview area of the fire district. Lakeside Division Chief 4105 (Tockstein) reported heavy black smoke visible while leaving fire station 3 some 2 miles east of the incident.

Upon arrival, Division 4105 assumed Incident Command (Aurora IC) reporting a double-wide mobile home residence full-involved with fire and numerous nearby structures (exposures) severely threatened. Lakeside Engine 3 (Lake Jennings fire station) was on scene in just over six minutes and was directed to secure a water supply and stretch handlines to prevent fire spread to the most threatened exposure. Subsequent arriving firefighters utilized additional handlines and an apparatus-mounted master stream (high gpm flow) to protect other threatened structures and to begin extinguishment on the involved residence.

The quick and aggressive actions of firefighters limited further spread of this well-established fire. Due to the advanced involvement of this fire on arrival, initial firefighting efforts were directed to limiting damage to adjacent properties. Although occupied at the time of the fire, all occupants were confirmed out of the building on fire department arrival.

Lakeside Fire was assisted on this fire by E8 (El Cajon); E19 (San Miguel); and T4 (Santee). Other Lakeside units attending this incident included E1, E2, E26, M3. Also utilized on this incident was Support 4140 staffed by Lakeside's Logistics Volunteer Group (LVG). Support 4140 provided shade, seating, and cold drinks to augment the firefighter rehabilitation function.

Heavy smoke visible from the cab of E2. Note complex map on CAD screen.

The "B"(left) side exposure suffered heavy exterior fire damage.

A firefighter uses a handline to overhaul burning debris.

Lakeside Logistics Volunteers assist on the fire scene.

Post and Photos by: Division Chief Chuck Tockstein, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Battle Residential Fire

Lakeside, CA - 

A report of smoke and flames from the rear of a residence brought a first-alarm structure assignment to the 9500 block of Single Oak Drive in Lakeside early on Saturday evening, November 3, 2012. Engine 1 (Riverview fire station) was on scene in less than 6 minutes reporting a working fire in a single-family residence. Firefighters had to force entry on the front door of the vacant house to access a well-advanced fire that had taken hold of several rooms at the rear of the dwelling. The interior fire attack was coordinated with roof ventilation and firefighters quickly got a handle on the fire. A primary search of the residence confirmed that the building was vacant. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Lakeside firefighters were assisted on this fire by our automatic aid partners from Santee and CalFire. Units attending this incident included: E1, E2, E3, M3, Div 4106, Support 4140 (Lakeside); E4, T4, R5 (Santee); E3382 (CalFire).

Firefighters make entry at the front door.

Firefighters prepare to assist after knockdown.

Photos by: Engineer Robert Williams, Lakeside Fire District
Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries

Lakeside, CA - 

It's that time of the year again. When we set our clocks back one hour tonight to Pacific Standard Time, it is also time to change the batteries in our smoke detectors.

Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in residential fires in half.  Thousands are injured and killed each year from home fires. Overall, almost 66 percent of home fire deaths in this country occur in homes without working smoke alarms. Considering that residential fire deaths peak in winter months, it’s critical to check and change your smoke alarm batteries each and every fall.

The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code recommends a minimum of one smoke alarm on each level of a home, including the basement, one inside each bedroom and one outside each sleeping area. Homes should also have at least one working carbon monoxide alarm on each level of a home, including the basement and one outside each sleeping area.

Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast.Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

For more information on smoke alarms, click HERE.

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District.

Lakeside Firefighters Remind You To "Have Two Ways Out"

Reproduced from NFPA's Fire Prevention Week website,  
www.firepreventionweek.org. ©2012 NFPA.


Lakeside, Ca -

It's Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme,“Have 2 Ways Out!”, focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice. The reality is that when fire strikes, your home could be engulfed in smoke and flames in just a few minutes. It is important to have a home fire escape plan that prepares your family to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds. What if your first escape route is blocked by smoke or flames? That's why having two ways out is such a key part of your plan. 

• According to an NFPA survey, only one-third of Americans have both developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.
• Almost three-quarters of Americans do have an escape plan; however, less than half actually practiced it.
• One-third of Americans households who made and estimate they thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening. The time available is often less. And only 8% said their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out!
• Almost two-thirds (62%) of reported home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
• Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half.
• In fires considered large enough to activate the smoke alarm, hardwired alarms operated 92% of the time, while battery powered alarms operated only 77%  of the time.

Click Here to Download these NFPA Escape Planning tips.

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Reserve Firefighter Recruitment

Lakeside, CA -

The Lakeside Fire Protection District is currently accepting applications for the position of Reserve Firefighter. A Reserve Firefighter with the Lakeside Fire District is used to augment the career firefighter force an is an unpaid position.

The application period opens Monday, October 8, 2012, and the filing deadline is 4:00 p.m., Friday, October 26, 2012.

For more information on this recruitment including the job announcement and reserve application, visit:

http://www.lakesidefire.net/lks_reserve_ff.php


Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Gas Leak Closes Busy Intersection

Flinn Springs-

On Wednesday, October 3, 2012, the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a call that a construction crew had struck a high pressure gas main near the intersection of Dunbar Lane and Olde Highway 80. Initially dispatched were four structural engines, a truck company, and two chief officers.

On the arrival of Engine 26 (Blossom Valley Station), firefighters discovered a high pressure leak emanating from a trench. SDG&E crews had arrived and requested that the fire companies provide protective hoselines for their crew members who were going to enter the area to seal off the leak. Unfortunately, fire crews were cutoff from their closest water sources due to the location of the leak. Two engine companies laid out over 1000 feet of 4 inch supply line from a distant hydrant on Chocolate Summit Drive.

Fire crews position protection lines as SDG&E personnel enter the hazard zone.

During the height of the incident all traffic had been stopped on Dunbar Lane, Olde Highway 80, and Chocolate Summit Drive. SDSO and CHP assisted with street closures.

SDG&E crews were able to seal the leak without further incident. Area roadways were quickly opened as the gas dissipated from the area.

A total of 14 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident, assisted by a crew from Heartland Fire and Rescue.

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

Morning Fire on Aurora Drive Displaces Family

Glenview-

On Friday, September 21st, 2012 at 8:43 AM, the Heartland Communications Center received a call reporting smoke coming from the structure at 13217 Aurora Drive. The neighbor reported that he could hear a smoke alarm, and that the "windows were hot to the touch." A first alarm structure response was sounded bringing units from Lakeside, El Cajon, Santee, and the San Miguel Fire District. A total of four structural engines, one truck company, an ALS medic unit, and two chief officers responded to the call.

On the arrival of Engine 3 and Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station) they encountered heavy smoke coming from the dwelling. With the arrival of Engine 8 (Heartland Fire & Rescue, Madison Station), and Engine 19 (San Miguel Fire, Bostonia Station) crews made entry and located the fire in a back bedroom. Crews conducted a search for occupants and domestic pets, fortunately none were found.

Crews were able to confine the fire to the bedroom, but heat and smoke damage was present throughout the structure. The Red Cross was notified to assist the family with their immediate needs.

The Logistics Volunteer Group responded and provided rehab support to the crews on-scene.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. A total of 20 fire personnel responded to the incident.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District
Video By: SDSO Deputies

Lakeside Fire District Annual Open House

Lakeside, CA -

The Lakeside Fire District will hold our annual open house on September 29, 2012. The location will be Lakeside fire station 3 (Lake Jennings station) at 14008 Highway 8 Business in unincorporated El Cajon. Please come check out your local fire department between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Lakeside Firefighters Assist Santee with House Fire

 

Fire attack operations get underway.

Truck 4 crew performing roof operations.

 Santee, CA-

 Just before noon on Monday, September 17, 2012, Lakeside engine 1 and Medic 2 were dispatched to to a residential structure fire in Santee.  Division Chief 4106 from Lakeside Fire District was first on scene reporting a well-involved garage fire.  Santee units arrived on scene and coordinated ventilation and fire attack to quickly knock-down the fire while Lakeside and El Cajon units arrived to assist in stopping the fire from spreading through the attic of the home.  One civilian was assessed for injuries and released at scene.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Units on scene from Santee were engine 4, truck 4, rescue 5, and battalion 2.  Units from Lakeside were engine 1, medic 2, and engine 9 from El Cajon.

Dinner at Lakeside fire station 2

 Lakeside, CA -

Sunday night, a lucky family was able to take a private tour of the new fire station 2 on Lakeside Ave and then sat down to enjoy a dinner prepared by the on-duty firefighters.  The Lakeside Firefighters donated "A Dinner at The Fire House" to the Lakeside River Park Conservancy to be raffled off for charity at a fund raising dinner.  The Peers family was the lucky winner and were able to treat themselves and their immediate family to a dinner headed-up by firefighter/paramedic Jose Corona.  Along with the tour of the station and a closer look at the fire apparatus, the family got to know a few of the first responders in their community.

As the event came to an end, the Station 2 units received a call and everyone got to watch as engine2 and medic 2 headed to a call.

Lakeside Fire Fighters Climb in Memory of 9-11

San Diego, CA -

September 8, 2012,

A group of Lakeside Fire Fighters joined hundreds of other firefighters and civilians in remembering the events of 9/11 during this year's annual 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb in San Diego. The event, held by the charity Firefighter Aid, includes an opening ceremony honoring the sacrifices made by emergency services personnel and a remembrance of all who died on September 11, 2001. Each person participating in the event climbs with a photo of one of the 343 FDNY firefighters who sacrificed their lives in the twin towers that day.

The first team of firefighters started the 110-story stair climb at 8:46 a.m. in remembrance of the exact time the north tower of the World Trade Center in Manhattan was struck. This year's inaugural team was a large group of chief officers from San Diego Fire-Rescue including fire chief Javier Mainar. Lakeside's nine-member team started our climb at 9:32 a.m. and completed the challenge in just over one-hour!

With many very generous donations, our team raised nearly $1000 for FireFighter Aid, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to caring for Firefighters and their families through sickness, distress, and death.

Lakeside Fire Fighters look forward to participating in this challenging and worthwhile event every September.

The 30-story San Diego Bayfront Hilton hosted the event.

Junior Lakeside Firefighter Caleb Zauss looks ready to climb!

Looking fresh after the climb from l, Reserve FF-PM Kyle Zauss, Reserve FF-PM Marc Poynter, FF-PM Danny Leetch, Captain Ian Lowe, Captain Scott Culkin, Captain Beto Lawler, Reserve FF-PM Corey Palmore, Captain Chuck Palmore.

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photos by: Amanda Zauss

Lakeside Fire Fighters Quick Response Limits Damage at Residential Fire

Lakeside, CA -

On Saturday morning, September 8, 2012, Heartland Fire Communications received numerous calls for a fire in an apartment complex in the 12600 block of Julian Avenue in Lakeside. Responding firefighters arrived in just over six minutes and encountered heavy fire showing from a single-story, multi-unit apartment building with one apartment well-involved with fire. Crews quickly stretched hoselines and secured a water supply at a nearby fire hydrant. Firefighters coordinated an aggressive interior fire attack with a primary search of the dwelling for occupants. Other arriving fire companies stretched additional hoselines to protect adjacent structures. The quick response coupled with rapid fire attack limited fire damage to only one apartment in the four-unit building. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The following fire units were assigned to this incident: E1, E2, E3, M2, Div 4103, Chief 4101, Support 4140 (Lakeside); E4, T4, R5, Deputy 4202 (Santee); E6, E9, T6, B3 (El Cajon); E18, E19, Div 4606 (San Miguel). As always, Lakeside is grateful for the assistance received from our automatic-aid partners.

Posted by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside CERT Training Starts Sept. 15th

There is still room available in the next Lakeside Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) academy which is scheduled to begin on Saturday, September 15th.

CERT members are trained to safely extinguish small fires

The CERT program educates citizens about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact Lakeside. Students are trained in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

Training includes how to locate and treat injured disaster victims

Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members will be able to assist family members and others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

  

Putting it all together

For more information and to register, please visit the CERT page on the Lakeside Fire District website at http://lakesidefire.net/lks_cert.php

Submitted By: Chuck Palmore, Lakeside CERT Coordinator 

Lakeside Fire Fighters Assist Santee on Industrial Fire

Santee, Ca -

On Saturday, September 1, 2012, Lakeside firefighters responded to assist Santee with a fire in an outside storage yard in the 10900 block of Woodside Avenue North. Lakeside Engine 1 (Riverview fire station) was the first arriving unit reporting smoke visible from behind a large metal security gate and fencing. Firefighters used a rotary saw with a metal cutting blade to cut the lock and make access to the occupancy. Once inside, fire was discovered in and around an outdoor storage shelving area. The crew from Engine 1 stretched an attack line and quickly knocked down the fire while Engine 2 (River Park fire station) layed a supply line in from the closest hydrant. Other units attending this fire included E5 and R5 (Santee); T6 (El Cajon); M2 and Divison 4106 (Lakeside). The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Engine 1 on scene with smoke showing.

Lakeside firefighter-paramedic Josh Raczka cuts the lock.

Lakeside Captain Ian Lowe gives a report on conditions.

Fire is attacked with preconnected handline.

Story and photos by: Lakeside firefighter-paramedic Steve Russo

Rollover on Willow Rd

El Monte:  On Thursday August 30, 2012, Lakeside firefighters were dispatched to reports of a rollover traffic collision on Willow Road.  When units from Lakeside Fire Station 2 arrived on scene they found a full-size truck that had rolled over and during the process took out a fence and several small trees.

The vehicle was found back on its wheels with major damage.  A complicating issue with this accident was the fact that there were several fence boards that punctured the windshield and were into the occupancy space in the truck.  The driver of the vehicle was struck by the boards and sustained injuries from them.

The driver of the vehicle was transported to an area trauma hospital.  The cause of the accident is under investigation by the CHP.

Photos and Story by:  Captain Bernie Molloy

Lakeside Fire Fighters to Participate in 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb

Lakeside, CA - 

Lakeside Fire Fighters will again field a team to participate in this year's annual 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb in San Diego. Our local firefighter team is participating to help raise money for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation & FirefighterAid, charities that care for firefighters in sickness, distress, and death. Every year, FirefighterAid sponsors the San Diego 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb to raise money and foster continued awareness of the sacrifices made by emergency services personnel on September 11, 2001- and those that continue as a result of public service every day.

If anyone would like to make a small charitable donation in support of our local Lakeside Fire Fighter team, CLICK HERE.

This year's event will be held at the Bayfront Hilton in San Diego on September 8, 2012. For more information visit this website:  http://www.sdfra.org/stairclimb2.html

Lakeside Fire Fighters prepare for last year's 9-11 stair climb.

Motorcyclist Suffers Major Traumatic Injuries in Crash with a Bus

Pepper Drive Area-

On Sunday, August 19, 2012, at 3:52 p.m., the Lakeside Fire Protection District received calls about a motorcyclist that had collided with a bus in the area of North 2nd Street and Pepper Drive. Callers indicated that the victim might be trapped under the bus so a full "vehicle rescue" response was sent. This included a structural engine, a rescue company, an ALS medic unit, and a duty chief.

Firefighters from Lakeside and San Miguel work to stabilize the patient.

The driver on the motorcycle evidently lost control of the bike and slid under the front of a MTS bus that was stopped at a bus stop. First arriving units found the patient trapped under the front of the bus with airway compromise. The bus had lowered onto the patient crushing him.Firefighters re-inflated the air-bag suspension system on the bus allowing crews to remove the victim.

Flight crew members assist in preparing the victim for a flight to the trauma center.

The patient suffered from multiple life-threatening traumatic injuries. Due to the severity of the injuries the decision was made to fly the patient to Sharp Memorial Trauma via a Mercy Air medical helicopter.

Agencies that assisted included San Miguel, Santee, and Heartland Fire-Rescue. CHP is currently investigating the accident.

Story By: Firefighter-Paramedic Steve Russo, Lakeside Fire Protection District

Lakeside Fire Assists Alpine on Vehicle Rescue

Alpine-

On Thursday, August 16th, 2012 at 11:19 AM, the Lakeside Fire District sent Engine 26 to assist Alpine Fire with a reported vehicle accident in the area of Interstate 8 at the East Victoria under-crossing. The initial response included units from Alpine, Viejas, Lakeside, and the San Diego County Fire Authority.

CHP starts their investigation after rescue efforts had been completed.

On the arrival of the Alpine duty chief (Rushing) they discovered a pick-up truck that had left the freeway at a high rate of speed, impacting a large tree in the easement area. Due to the amount of damage the occupants could not be accessed for assessment of their injuries. A request was made to upgrade the call to include a response from Rescue 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station).

With the arrival of Lakeside and Viejas firefighters efforts started to extricate the victims. It then became apparent that the occupants had both succumbed to their injuries. With the arrival of Rescue 3 efforts continued to remove the occupants.

The California Highway Patrol is currently investigating the accident. A total of 6 Lakeside personnel responded to this incident. Agencies on-scene included Alpine, Viejas, Lakeside, and San Diego County Fire Authority.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Downed Tree Closes El Monte Rd.

El Monte Valley:

On Saturday August 11th 2012, Lakeside Engine 3 from the Lake Jennings Station was dispatched to the report of a very large tree that had fallen across El Monte Rd by El Monte Park.  Upon arrival, Engine 3's crew found the tree broken at the base blocking El Monte Rd before the El Capitan Reservoir.  

The tree was completely across El Monte Rd

Engine 3's crew quickly secured area and met up with County Park Rangers.  CHP was dispatched along with a County Roads Crew to take care of the tree.  

The tree broke at the base

Fortunately the falling tree did not land on any vehicles, nor did it cause any traffic collisions.  The removal of the tree did take several hours so unfortunately many people who had spent the day at El Capitan Reservoir could not go home when they had planned.  

Photos and Story Submitted by: Captain Wes Barnes