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