Weather Brings a Rash of Vehicle Accidents

East County-

With the wet weather came a rash of weather related accidents throughout the east county. From the start of the storm, east county fire agencies have responded to 22 vehicle accidents as of late Monday afternoon. In Lakeside, a number of accidents have occurred along the Interstate 8 and Highway 67 corridors. Fortunately the majority of these accidents have been minor or non-injury.

This accident occurred on Interstate 8 in the area of Dunbar Lane. The driver was uninjured in the incident.

Eastbound Interstate 8 at Lake Jennings Park Rd

 For specific tips on driving in the rain visit this link.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Assist Alpine on Vehicle Over-The-Side

Alpine, CA -

Lakeside and Alpine firefighters teamed-up to assist the victims of a roll-over vehicle accident on Interstate 8 on Saturday, January 21, 2012. The vehicle skidded off the rain-slickened freeway and rolled-over ending up approximately 100 feet down the embankment. Firefighters from Lakeside's Blossom Valley fire station (fs26) were first on scene reporting four patients still inside the vehicle. An additional engine company, rescue company, and chief officer arrived to assist. Eventually, two paramedic ambulances also were called to the scene. A rope rescue system was put in place to assist in hauling all four of the patients up the hillside. All the patients were transported to area hospitals with what appeared to be minor injuries. Units assisting included E26s, R3, 4103 (Lakeside); E17, B7 (Alpine); M17, M492 (AMR). CHP is investigating the accident.

Firefighter-paramedics assess and package injured victims

A rope system helps bring the victims up the embankment.

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

Multi-Vehicle Accident Closes Down Mapleview Street

Lakeside, CA -

On Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at 6:38 p.m., the Lakeside Fire District received calls reference a multiple vehicle accident in the 12900 blk of Mapleview Street. One structural engine, a rescue company, and an ALS medic unit were dispatched to the incident. Enroute crews were advised that multiple cars were involved and the street was possibly blocked.

Fire Engineer Steve Schleif checks the vehicles for hazards.

While initially the damage looks bad, these energy absorbing crumble zones dissipate energy and save lives. It did just what it was designed to do...

On the arrival of Engine 1 and Rescue 3,  a total of four vehicles had been involved in the incident. With the potential for multiple victims, a request was made to respond an additional ALS medic unit. Medic 3 was dispatched to the incident.

Lakeside Fire personnel treat one of the accident victims.

The paramedics on the engine companies began the task of locating victims and providing initial care. A total of four victims were assessed at the scene. One victim was identified as meeting trauma transport criteria and was immediately transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital via Medic 2. An additional victim with a complaint of pain was transported to Sharp Grossmont Hospital while two elected not to be transported

Currently the incident is being investigated by the CHP. A total of 11 Lakeside Fire personnel responded to the incident.

 

Engine 1 Medic 2	Lakeside Fire District Riverview Station
Rescue 3 Medic 3	Lakeside Fire District Lake Jennings Station

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Logisitics Volunteers Help With Lakeside Reserve Drill

Lakeside, CA - 

 Members of the Lakeside Logistics Volunteers Group (LVG) provided support to Lakeside Firefighters at their monthly reserve drill on Saturday, January 14, 2012. LVG members attended the drill with their incident support vehicle and set up a shaded rehab area, hydration station, and assisted with other needs at the drill. The LVG program allows interested community members to assist the fire district with both special and day-to-day logistical support needs.

LVG members set up for incident support.

Lakeside LVG members (from l)  Dennis Canfield, Earl Buchholz, and Ray Whitlock. Not pictured is Dick Bailey.

Lakeside Firefighters prepare for entry to simulated house fire.

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

Car Accident Takes Down Powerlines

Lakeside, CA -

On January 13, 2012, a vehicle traveling eastbound on Woodside Ave, just west of the Lakeside Middle School was involved in a collision with a power pole.  The vehicle ended up with a power pole on its roof and electrical lines down on the street.

The power pole was on top of the vehicle when it came to rest.

When Lakeside Engine 1, from the Riverview Station, arrived with Medic 2, a safety perimeter was established due to the numerous electrical and utility lines on the street.  In total there were one power line and 3 utility poles that were broken when the pole was struck by the vehicle.  The occupant of the vehicle, who escaped without injury, had jumped out of the vehicle after it had stopped to make sure nobody had been injured with the falling of the lines all around his car.

The transformers ended up in a ditch behind the vehicle

The nearby school had just let out and most of the children had already dispersed which was very fortunate. There were no injuries involved in this accident.  It is important to realize that when an accident involves energized lines it is not safe for the public to approach the vehicle.  As can be seen in the photos above, the lines were directly on and around the vehicle.  The pole that was damaged in this incident was a terminal pole and the lines to it had been severed which resulted in them having no charge.  This was not immediately known when crews arrived on scene.  If these lines had remained charged this situation  could have had a much worse outcome.

The poles on the other side of the street were damages as well

CHP was able to isolate the accident scene and closed Woodside Ave between Marilla Dr. and Riverview Dr.  SDG&E line crews are on scene tonight to replace the damaged poles and lines.  A full repair is expected within the next few days.

View Incident Map 2012 in a larger map


Story and Photos by:  Captain Bernie Molloy

Multi-Jursdictional Response Keeps Fire Outside of Lakeside Area Home

Royal Road Area-


Firefighters from Lakeside, El Cajon, San Miguel and Santee teamed-up to quickly knock down a fire outside a home in the 12000 block of Royal Road in the unincorporated area of El Cajon, an area which is served by the Lakeside Fire Protection District.

Lakeside Engine 1 on-scene at the Royal Rd incident

Crews knocked down the fire and roped off the area for fire investigators who will attempt to establish a cause for the early evening blaze.

View Incident Map 2012 in a larger map  

The cause of the fire is still under investigation at the time of this post.


Submitted By: Division Chief Jim Kirkpatrick, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Honor Fallen Nurse

Alpine CA-

On December 23, 2011, Debra Meltzer fell victim in a tragic domestic violence incident that unfolded in a quiet Alpine subdivision. What was not widely publicized is that Debra was an emergency room nurse, at Sharp Memorial Hospital,  who had dedicated her life to helping others. In this role, Debra interacted with Lakeside paramedics on a regular basis. The loss of this dedicated professional was felt throughout the east county as personnel from many local agencies knew Debra.

Lakeside Engine 26s at the memorial service.

Recently at her memorial, the crew of E26s (Blossom Valley) was asked to fly a flag provided by The World Memorial Organization, at her memorial services. Lakeside Fire Engineer John Eastlick and Lakeside Engineer Scott Smith secured the flag to the aerial boom on the apparatus so that it could fly over this very solemn event.

A memorial fund has been established for Debra’s children. Donations can be sent to:

Cabrillo Credit Union
C/O Debra Meltzer Memorial Account
PO Box 261169
San Diego, CA 92196-1169

Story and Photo Provided By: Fire Captain Rick Dalldorf, Lakeside Fire District