Lakeside Firefighters Help a Local Family

It saddens anyone to hear about a child stricken with a disease that no young person should experience. Such was the case when Lakeside Director Nick Johnson approached the Lakeside Firefighters with the story of Jake Collins. Nick had a child in the same class as Jake when his medical situation unfolded.

Lakeside Firefighter Association President Eric Stamm presents the family with the gas cards.

Like any other child, Jake was a very active boy attending Lakeview Elementary School in Lakeside. All that would change when on April 13th, 2012, Jake received a diagnosis that he had a rare cancerous tumor of the brain stem known as a Difused Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. With that diagnosis that family would soon be making daily drives to Rady Children's Hospital  for radiation and chemotherapy. The treatment schedule was so rigorous that Jake's mom would leave her job to tend to Jake's needs.

Jake gets to hit the air horn.

With the loss of her income the bills would soon start taking their toll on the family budget. With much of Jake's treatment not covered by their insurance the family would certainly face hardship and an uncertain future.

The firefighters were informed that the daily drives to Children's had impacted their bottom line with gas over $4.00 a gallon. To help take some of the pressure off the family the Lakeside Firefighters presented Jake's mom with $1000 in gas cards. It is our hope that this will help the family in their effort to see that Jake is cured of this illness.

Jake had also expressed a desire to see the fire engine, so the crew from Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Station) paid him a visit where he had the opportunity to take a ride in the engine. The high point of his visit was when he was allowed to honk the air horn (sorry neighbors). Ya know Jake, we still like to honk the horn.... Get well soon..!

If you would like to help this family please visit Jake's website at: http://fundraiserforjacob.bbnow.org/index.php



Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Farms Elementary Visits the Riverpark Fire Station

Lakeside, CA -

Mrs. Andrews’ kindergarten class from Lakeside Farms Elementary School visited Lakeside's River Park fire station (fs2) on Wednesday, June 20, 2012. Mrs. Andrews is the lovely wife of Lakeside Fire District Engineer Rob Andrews, who proudly showed off Lakeside's newest fire station and taught the kids about fire safety, fire engines, ambulances, and what it’s like to be a firefighter.

Lakeside Fire Engineer Rob Andrews narrates as Paramedic Jon Jordan shows the class how a firefighter dons his safety gear before he responds to a structure fire or vehicle accident

Submitted By: Fire Engineer Carl Chiodo, Lakeside Fire Protection District

Firefighters Fight Multiple Vegetation Fires in Lakeside

Lakeside, CA -

Just after lunch, firefighters from Lakeside Fire Protection District and surrounding agencies were dispatched to a vegetation fire in the area of Crazy Horse Drive and James Hill Drive in Eucalyptus Hills.  Smoke could be scene from station 1 on Riverview Avenue.  Medic 2  was the first unit on scene and reported several acres on fire and structures threatened.  Battalion 3 and Lakeside Fire Division Chiefs arrived on scene quickly and directed units to the areas that need the most help, ordering multiple strike teams to assist.  Brush 1 was the first brush engine on scene and immediately started a progressive hose lay to extinguish and contain the fire.  With firefighters in place defending homes, crews attacking the flanks of the fire, and firefighting aircraft now making drops, the fire was being brought under control.  As more resources arrived to help the efforts on the ground firefighters were able to get a hose line all the way around the fire.  No homes were damaged and no injuries were reported.

While the first fire was being mopped up, a second fire was reported in El Monte Valley.  Aircraft and resources that were being released from the first fire quickly made their way over to the second fire and where able to keep it to a few acres.  Both fires are under investigation.

View Incident Map 2012 in a larger map

Units from Lakeside Fire were Brush 1, Medic 2, Engine 2, Engine 3, 4101, 4103, 4104, 4105, 4106, and 4140 (Lakeside LVGs).  Other agencies assisting were Santee, El Cajon, Cal Fire, Fish and Wildlife, and the USFS.

Story and Photos by: Engineer/Paramedic Matt Buzzell

Motorhome Consumed By Fire In Lakeside

Engine 1 upon first arrival.

Eucalyptus Hills-

At 9:11 a.m. on Saturday, June 9, 2012, Lakeside firefighters were dispatched to a large vehicle fire in the Eucalyptus Hills neighborhood. It was reported that a motor-home was completely engulfed in flames. A large column of black smoke could be seen from a distance. Engine 2 from the nearby River Park station, as well as Engine 1 and Division Chief 4106(Kirkpatrick) were dispatched to the emergency. While the crew of Engine 2 was stepping into full protective firefighting gear preparing to respond, a vehicle pulled up in front of the fire station. The driver stepped out and identified himself as a burn victim from the reported fire. The crew quickly switched gears and began to treat the burn victim. This was immediately reported to Heartland dispatch and an ambulance was started to Station 2 as well as an additional engine was assigned to the fire to replace Engine 2. Santee Engine 4 was added to the call.

Engine 1 Firefighter Shawn McKenna initiating fire attack.

Upon arrival to the fire, Lakeside Engine 1 reported a large motor-home fully involved in fire with the potential of flames spreading to nearby vegetation. Engine 1 crew quickly pulled an attack line and began the fire fight. Because of the large size of the vehicle and the amount of fire involvement, a water supply from the closest hydrant was requested immediately. Santee Engine 4 arrived at scene soon thereafter to lay a large diameter supply line from a hydrant down the street up the long driveway to Engine 1. Division Chief 4106 arrived to take over incident command. The fire was knocked back before it was able to get established in the vegetation surrounding the motor-home. With an adequate water supply secured, the fire was soon fully extinguished.

Engine 2 Captain John Hisaw, FF McKenna, and Reserve FF Zauss finish extinguishment.

After Engine 2 was able to turn the burn victim over to Medic 2 for transport to the hospital, they were able to respond to the fire scene to assist with overhaul. Incident support was provided by the Lakeside Logistics Volunteer Group. San Diego Sheriff arson investigators were called to the scene to determine the cause of the blaze which is still under investigation. The burn victim was transported to the UCSD Burn Center by Medic 2.

Crews were successful in keeping the fire from the surrounding vegetation.

View Incident Map 2012 in a larger map

Submitted By: Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire Captain
Photos By: Todd Welch, Lakeside Firefighter

Rolled Over Truck Sends Two to Trauma Center

Dunbar Area-

On Saturday, June 9, 2012, at 3:45 p.m., the Lakeside Fire District received a call of a truck that had rolled over on Interstate 8 just east of Dunbar Lane. Two structural engines, a rescue company, ALS medic unit and a duty chief were sent to the incident.

The crew from Engine 26s and Rescue 3 look for additional occupants.

On the arrival of Engine 26s (Blossom Valley Station), they advised the potential for three patients. With the arrival of Rescue 3 and Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Station), all three occupants were evaluated. It was determined that two of the occupants needed to receive further evaluation at Sharp Memorial Trauma Center, while the third elected not to be transported.

CHP is conducting the investigation as to the cause. A total of 9 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident, assisted by personnel from the Alpine Fire District.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Help Dog Out of Predicament

Lakeside, CA - 

Firefighters in Lakeside responded to a challenging "rescue" call on Friday, June 8, 2012. Tessa the dog had gotten herself into quite a predicament. She had somehow slipped her head through the opening of a car wheel and was good and stuck. Her owners tried about everything they could think of to get her free but apparently her head was swollen and was now simply was too large to escape the unwieldy new "collar." Firefighters from Lakeside's Riverview fire station (fs1) were called to help. Engineer Steve Schleif and Firefighter Shawn McKenna used a reciprocating saw with a metal cutting blade to remove part of the wheel surrounding Tessa's head. Because the last-needed cuts were very close to the dog's neck, firefighter's from Lakeside's Lake Jennings fire station (fs3) were requested to respond with powerful hydraulic cutting equipment. Once on scene, the Rescue 3 crew made short work of the remaining part of the wheel and Tessa was finally free.

While on this "special service" call, all Lakeside Fire units were available for emergency response.

Tessa was getting tired of her new "collar."

With the owner, firefighters work on freeing Tessa.

Firefighters carefully make the final cuts.

Story by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photos by: Captain Mark Grow and Division Chief Jim Kirkpatrick, Lakeside Fire District

Come Out and Support "Downhill Danny"

Time is getting close for the annual "Firefighters Demolition Derby", in support of the Burn Institute. Danny "Downhill" Leetch is defending last years first place finish in the event, so great effort has been expended in fielding a car able to defend the title.

Danny putting some of the final touches on this year's entry.

If you would like to come out and support Danny he will be at the following locations this weekend:

Albertsons     9560 Winter Gardens Blvd          Saturday, June 9th from 9 AM to 4 PM
Eastbound     10053 Maine Ave                        Sunday, June 10th from 8 AM to 1:30 PM

Come out and sign the car and make a donation. All proceeds go the the San Diego Burn Institute. Then come out and see the big event at the San Diego County Fair (link below).  We would love to see you there.....

Firefighters Demolition Derby   June 16th at 5 PM  

Last Year's Event

 

Sidewalk CPR Day in Lakeside

“Sidewalk CPR” training was given today at two locations in Lakeside. The training, in recognition of National CPR Awareness Week, is an effort by the county, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, San Diego Project Heart Beat and other agencies throughout the county.

"Hands-Only" instruction being given by Firefighter/Paramedic Jon Jordan at Albertsons

The goal today was to train “2,012 in 2012” county wide in the “Hands-Only” method.  This method involves only chest compressions and does not include the mouth-to-mouth breathing that was part of all CPR training until several years ago. The American Heart Association and others endorse the compression-only method for the public to use to revive victims of sudden cardiac arrest.

Firefighter/Paramedic Eric Stamm gives instruction at Vons

Engine 26s crew from the Blossom Valley Station staffed a booth at the Vons store on Camino Canada. Engine 1 crew from the Riverview Station staffed a booth at the Albertsons store on Winter Gardens Blvd. Together  they were able to train 59 citizens in the new lifesaving skill.

Pictured left to right; FF Todd Welch, LVG Conrad Cox, LVG Dick Bailey, FF/Paramedic Jon Jordan, Captain Chuck Palmore and Marcy Metz RN

Chief of San Diego County Emergency Medical Services, Marcy Metz RN, stopped by the Albertsons location to personally thank the CPR instructors. By the end of the day, county wide totals were calculated.  Ruth Duke, Quality Assurance Specialist at San Diego County Emergency Medical Services, reported; “As you know our goal was to train 2,012 in 2012, well we surpassed that goal by a thousand!  Our total number is 3,022.” 

Lakeside Fire Board Member Susan Conniry receives training at the Albertsons site

Thanks to the citizens, Lakeside firefighters and support from the Logistics Volunteer Group the local event was a great success.

To learn more about Hands-Only and other CPR information, visit The American Heart Association website.

Submitted by: Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire Captain
Photos by: Dick Bailey, Lakeside LVG and Dennis Canfield, Lakeside LVG

Lakeside Firefighters Assist on San Miguel Structure Fire

Greenfield Area-

On Wednesday, June 6, 2012, at 4:55 a.m., firefighters from the Lakeside Fire District were dispatched to a structure fire in the 1800 block of Greenfield Dr (in the San Miguel Fire District). Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Station) and Brush 1 (Riverview Station) were sent as part of a first alarm assignment.

On the arrival of Engine 8 (Heartland Fire-Rescue, Madison Station) ,they reported smoke showing from a detached garage. Units from San Miguel and Lakeside assisted with fire attack and ventilation. The fire was quickly knocked down and isolated to the garage.

The crew from Truck 6 (HFR) removes the garage door to facilitate ventilation.

The fire is currently being investigated by the San Miguel Fire District. Greenfield Drive was shut down for a period of time, but was quick reopened.

Automatic Aid in Heartland

Commonly the initial crews to arrive on a fire scene come from a variety of agencies throughout the Heartland area. This unique auto aide agreement assures that the closest fire companies are sent regardless of agency. This agreement was originally founded in the 1970's by the Heartland Chiefs. For the period this was considered a very progressive agreement.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

"Sidewalk CPR” Event Slated for June 7, 2012

Lakeside, CA -

On Thursday, June 7, 2012, the Lakeside Fire Protection District will join with San Diego County’s Office of Emergency Medical Services to provide CPR training to “2012 in 2012.” This Sidewalk CPR event aims to train 2,012 San Diego County residents in “hands-only” CPR. In just a 5-10 minute session, participants will learn the very basics of this life-saving skill.

Instruction will be provided from 10:00am to 2:00pm at two locations within the fire district:

Vons - 13439 Camino Canada

Albertsons - 9560 Winter Gardens Boulevard

Come by and learn to help save a life!

Click image to enlarge.

Come See the Lakeside Firefighter's Demolition Derby Car

Last year's defending champ, Lakeside Firefighter/paramedic Danny Leetch.

Lakeside, CA -

Come see the Lakeside Firefighter's Demolition Derby Car before it takes a beating at the upcoming Firefighter's Demolition Derby at the Del Mar Fair on June 16, 2012.  Last year our very own Firefighter Danny Leetch took first place at the Firefighters Demolition Derby.  This year he has built a bigger and uglier car (two things that are a serious advantage in the demolition derby world) based on a 1967 Lincoln and hopes to repeat his winning ways.

The derby car will be at the Albertsons in Lakeside at 9560 Winter Gardens Blvd. today, Saturday, June 2, 2012, until approximately 5 p.m.  Come by to say hi and show your support.

Lakeside's Valle Vista Fire Station Sold at Auction

The morning of June 1, 2012,  brought a different kind of excitement to the Lakeside Fire Protection District. The shout of “Sold!” was heard as the former fire station on Valle Vista Road was auctioned off to the highest bidder. In addition, two surplus fire apparatus were sold after years of solid service to the community.

A small crowd gathered at the "old" fire station 2 for an auction of surplus district property.

The 1990 Brush Rig and Water Tender were sold for a combined total of $15,400. The station itself, after nearly 50 years of service to the citizens of Lakeside, attracted a winning bid of $220,000. The buyer, a local resident, has not yet announced his plans for the building. All funds received through the auction will be used by the district for current and future capital improvements.

Jeff Bloom of Fischer Auctions solicits bids on surplus fire apparatus.

Story and Photos by:  Interim Division Chief Jim Kirkpatrick