Alpine Structure Fire Brings Multi-Agency Response

Alpine-

On the morning of December 24th, 2013 at 8:15 a.m., a commuter on the interstate noticed a large amount of smoke in the area of western Alpine. A call was made to 911 and an Alpine engine company was dispatched to find the source of the smoke. As crews accessed the area it was obvious this was a working structure fire in the 400 blk of Arnold Way. A request was made to upgrade the call which brought a response from Lakeside, Viejas, San Miguel, CalFire, and the USFS.

Alpine crews prepare to make entry into the structure.

A total five engine companies, one truck company, one ALS medic unit, and three chief officers were dispatched to the incident..

As Alpine crews pulled hose lines they were met with a well advancing interior fire that had already spread to the attic space. Lakeside crews went to the roof and performed ventilation, while other crews pulled additional line to back-up the Alpine crew.

Firefighter Brent Watte, and Fire Engineer Nate Fox cut back roofing material looking for hidden fire.

Crews conducted an immediate search and fortunately found no occupants in the structure. It was later learned that the occupant was not at home and was contacted at another location.

Fire Engineer Shaun McKenna coordinates with ground crews to make sure no material from the roof is dropped on interior crews.

Crews continued the task of salvage and overhaul well into the late morning hours. These fires are fine examples of the automatic aid agreements that bring the closest resources to the scene.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

 

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Smoke from the River Park

 Lakeside, CA -


The Lakeside Rive Park Conservancy has a permit to burn from the Air Pollution Control District which is issued by the Lakeside Fire Protection District. The issued permit is for fire hazard reduction.  This particular permit is for one or two large burn piles that are surrounded at least 100 feet of clearance.  Residents may see or smell smoke from over a mile away.  These fires are permitted, under the restrictions of the APCD and fire district.

Smoke rises from the San Diego River Bottom

River Park Conservancy personnel must stand by at these burns with hand tools and a water supply.  They must be attended during the entire permissive burn period. (8:15am until 3pm). CALFIRE firefighters may also be in attendance at these burns (under a contract between the Conservancy and CALFIRE) to add an additional level of safety on some days.

We appreciate the community’s interest in this program and for your good-intentioned reports of fires in the Lakeside River Park.

If you are interested in a permit to burn for your property, please contact the Lakeside Fire Protection District office at 619.390.2350 for information; or you can visit your local fire station (during normal business hours), and request a permit from the firefighters on duty.

Fire Chief Andy Parr, Lakeside Fire Protection District

Fire Crews Tackle Midnight River Bottom Fire

Glenview-

Fire crews from multiple agencies responded to a river bottom fire in the 13400 block of Highway 8 Business. The Heartland Communications Center started receiving multiple calls about a fire in the Los Coches Creek area that was quickly approaching structures in a nearby mobile home park. The Heartland Communications Center dispatched three structural engines, one brush engine, a water tender, ALS medic unit, and a chief officer to the 12:33 a.m. fire.

Lakeside Engine 3 working the fire.

Crews arriving from Fire Station #3 (Lake Jennings) reported flames as high as 50' burning in the dead vegetation. Crews took up positions to protect threatened structures while other crews worked to extinguish the fire. The fire was burning in deep layers of dead Arundo that tends to accumulate in waterways since it's introduction into the ecosystem.

It took crews 90 minutes to completely extinguish, and overhaul the fire.

A total of 12 Lakeside personnel responded to the fire, assisted by crews from Heartland Fire & Rescue. Cause of the fire is under investigation.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District
Photo By: Fire Engineer Rich Smith, Lakeside Fire District

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Lakeside Fire to Launch "Lakeside Emergency Net"

After months of development the Lakeside Fire District will debut the "Lakeside Emergency Net" in January 2014. This net is driven towards developing a relationship between the amateur radio community (HAMS) and the Lakeside Fire Protection District. From this relationship it is hoped that this resource can be used to help mitigate future local, and regional, emergencies

The net will be conducted by members of the Communications Volunteer Group from the River Park Fire Station Complex. The first net will be held on January 19th, 2014 at 7:00 pm. The net will be conducted on the East County Repeater Association's Rattlesnake Mountain repeater. The repeater can be found on a frequency of 147.765 with a negative offset frequency. The P/L tone to access the repeater is 79.7

One of the major roadblocks to this net was finding a repeater site that would give good access to radio operators throughout the area. The East County Repeater Association   granted use of their Rattlesnake 2 Meter Repeater for the weekly net. This site is  ideal for the area as it has the ability to hear signals from stations tucked away in many of our remote canyon areas. The Lakeside Fire District would like to thank the members of ECRA for their generosity in allowing us to use the repeater.

Repeater Site	Output	Input	Tone
ECRA Rattlesnake Mountain Repeater	147.765	147.165	79.7

So please mark your calendars for the first net on January 19th, and we look forward to amateur radio operators from throughout the area to participate on this new net. If you have any questions (or suggestions) please send them to: radionet@lakesidefire.com 

Submitted: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Communications Volunteer Coordinator

Division Chief Ron Laff Retires from the Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside-

Division Chief Ron Laff will celebrate his last day with the Lakeside Fire Protection District on December 15th, 2013. Ron has had a long productive career with the Lakeside Fire District, which included command assignments on the Cedar and Harris Ranch Fires.

Division Chief Ron Laff receives his retirement badge from Lakeside Fire Chief Andy Parr.

Ron's entry into the fire service began as a reserve firefighter with San Diego Rural Fire District out of their Descanso station. His interest in the fire service continued to grow when he was hired by the United States Forest Service in 1978 to serve as a wildland firefighter on an engine crew. In 1983 he was moved from an engine company to serve on a Hot Shot crew cutting hand line in remote locations.

In that same year Ron got hired on at his first municipal fire agency. He would serve a three year stint with the El Centro Fire Department as an engine company firefighter. In 1986 he received word that he would return to San Diego County with a job offer from the Lakeside Fire Protection District. During his time as a firefighter he would receive his paramedic accreditation with UCSD Paramedic Training Class #38.

Ron receives an appreciation plaque from Eric Stamm of the Lakeside Firefighters Association

In 1995 Ron would put his time on the ambulance behind him with a promotion to Engine Company Captain. During this time he would be assigned to various stations throughout the Lakeside area till his promotion to Division Chief in 2001. During his time as a chief officer Ron would serve in management positions on fires throughout the western United States. These assignments would include action on the Cedar Fire in 2003, and the Harris Ranch Fire in 2007.

Ron is looking forward to spending time with his family. But somehow we think Ron will continue to have influence in the fire service for years to come. Enjoy your retirement....!   

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS ON HIGHWAY 67

 Lakeside, CA -

The winter storm that passed through San Diego County on Saturday, December 7, 2013, brought with it wet weather and hazardous conditions on our roadways.  Firefighters from the Lakeside Fire Protection District and surrounding agencies spent several hours dealing with multiple traffic accidents on the Highway 67 grade just north of Slaughterhouse Canyon Road throughout the day and into the evening.  At one point, there were four accidents at the same time and all were within a half mile of the top of the grade requiring multiple units for each scene.

This is a reminder how dangerous the highways can be in rainy conditions and the importance of slowing down.  This isn't only for driver's safety but also for the safety of the CHP and first responders working on the roadway to mitigate these incidents.

Pictures and Story by: Engineer Matt Buzzell

Smoke Alarms Prevent Kitchen Fire

Winter Gardens, CA - 

Alerted by the sound of smoke alarms and a barking dog, neighbors called 911 and requested the fire department to a home in the Winter Gardens area of Lakeside on the evening of December 6, 2013. Firefighters from Lakeside's Riverview fire station (fs1) arrived in six minutes to discover a downstairs duplex filled with smoke from unattended food burning on the stovetop.

The quick actions of the neighbors coupled with a rapid fire department response averted a possibly devastating fire in this occupied dwelling. This incident also serves as a stark reminder of the value of properly functioning smoke alarms to provide a timely warning of an incipient fire.

In the U.S., a cooking fire occurs approximately every 3 minutes and is, by far, the leading cause of all residential building fires and injuries.

The firefighters serving the Lakeside Fire District strongly encourage all of our residents to ensure that they have properly functioning smoke alarms on every level of their home. We know that working smoke alarms save lives.

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Neighbor Helps Rescue Elderly Neighbor from House Fire

Lakeside, CA -

An alert neighbor forced open a door and helped pull his elderly neighbor and her grandson from inside a smoky house fire in the Johnstown area of Lakeside on Wednesday, November 27, 2013. The grandson had entered the home to assist his grandmother in leaving but became disoriented in the thick smoke. The next-door neighbor assisted both to escape through a side door.

Lakeside firefighters responding from the nearby Lake Jennings fire station (fs3) arrived in just under four minutes reporting moderate smoke from a one-story residence. Firefighters stretched an attack line inside the structure and knocked down what remained of the fire in the front room of the residence. A rapid primary search confirmed all occupants were out of the home.

Prior to the arrival of the fire department, other neighbors took action to slow the fire using a dry chemical extinguisher and a garden hose. The cause of the fire appeared to be an electric space heater that was too close to combustibles.

Lakeside firefighter paramedics transported two people to UCSD hospital for evaluation due to smoke inhalation. 

Units attending this incident included:  Engine 1, Engine 202s, Engine 3, Engine 26, Medic 2, Medic 3, Division 4105 (Lakeside); Truck 4 (Santee).

Ventilation fan set-up to remove smoke.

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

Lakeside Fire Assists Alpine with Unique Vehicle Recovery

Alpine, CA-

On Monday, November 18, 2013, at 8:43 a.m. the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a request to respond Rescue 3 to a vehicle accident on Interstate 8 westbound, just west of Tavern Rd. Firefighters had responded to an incident where a Range Rover had collided with a semi truck and was wedged under the trailer portion of the truck. Fortunately, crews had been able to remove the victims and transported them to area trauma hospitals.

Lakeside Firefighter-Paramedic Steve Russo sets a crib stack under the trailer portion of the truck. Crib stacks are used to keep loads from falling back to their original position.

Crews use a combination of airbags and hydraulic tools to lift the truck.

A problem emerged when tow operators attempted to remove the vehicle from the scene only to discover it was firmly lodged under the truck. A request was made for Rescue 3 to respond from the Lake Jennings Fire Station and assist firefighters still on-scene.

On the arrival of the rescue company, crews coordinated with Alpine and Viejas firefighters to develop a plan to lift the truck from the vehicle. The decision was made to use a system of pneumatic lifting bags, hydraulic rams, and cribbing stacks to lift the truck. Crews worked for about an hour before the truck could be safely lifted.

Lakeside Rescue 3 is a specialized resource available to Central Zone (and other) fire agencies for help with technical rescue calls.

Vehicle after removal.

Photos and Story By: Fire Captain Wes Barnes, Lakeside Fire Protection District

Lakeside Fire Looks to Amateur Radio for Increased Community Preparedness

Lakeside-

The Lakeside Fire Protection District is currently developing a plan to harness the power of the amateur radio community into a tool that will provide for better disaster preparedness. The Fire District is working with their Communications Volunteer Group to create a weekly radio net that will be conducted on one of the local VHF repeaters.

The hope is that local amateur radio operators can provide vital information to the Fire District in times of disaster. The cornerstone of this effort is to create a relationship with the amateur radio community through a weekly net.

The Lakeside Fire Protection District maintains a amateur radio base station near their Emergency Operations Center at the River Park Fire Station on Lakeside Ave. The base station is considered an important tool as vital information can be obtained for dissemination by emergency planners.

The Lakeside Fire District is hopeful that the net will go live sometime in January 2014. More information will be made available as details are worked out. All interested amateur radio operators are welcome to participate.

KSON Food Drive

Lakeside, CA -

On November 15, 2013,  The KSON morning show came out to Lakeside for a live broadcast from the Lakeside Cafe. The John and Tammy's Food Fund 2013 Tour is collecting non-perishable food items for the San Diego Food Bank. These non-perishable items are then distributed to needy families. The Lakeside Firefighters participated by collecting numerous canned goods and delivering them to the event in Engine Company One.

If you missed the event today, you can go to the KSON website HERE for more information .

Lakeside Firefighers with John and Tammy from KSON

The KSON ambulance filled with donations for the John and Tammy's Food Fund 2013 Tour

Lakeside Firefighters Jamie Hazlewood and Marc Poynter with John and Tammy broadcasting live from the Lakeside Cafe

Lakeside Fire Director Susan Conniry with KSON's Tammy

Submitted by Firefighter / Paramedic Jamie Hazlewood

LAKESIDE FIREFIGHTERS IN THE TOUGH MUDDER

Saturday November 9th members of the Lakeside Fire Protection District went up to Temecula on their day off to participate in the 2013 Southern California Tough Mudder held at Vail Lake Resort. The two day event draws more than 20,000 people each year and tests each persons strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie.  The courses are 10-12 miles long with 25 military style obstacles with plenty of cold water and plenty of hills to run up.

Aside from giving us the opportunity to participate in this event and become part of the mudder community, The Tough Mudder as raised over $6 million dollars for the Wounded Warrior Project to date.  The Lakeside team was able to stay together and finish the course in just under 3 hours without any injuries. 

Participants: Matt Buzzell, Dave Ditomaso (Chula Vista PD), Lance Buford, Jerry Daoust, Ian Lowe, Dave Csik, Jose Corona, and Scott Smith

Story and Photos by: Engineer/Paramedic Matt Buzzell

Lakeside Fire Fighters Assist Santee with Vehicle Extrication

Santee, CA -

Firefighters from Lakeside's Riverview (fs1) and River Park (fs2) fire stations assisted Santee Fire with a vehicle rescue on Saturday, November 9, 2013. A single-occupant vehicle sustained major damage after it came off Hwy 67 just south of Riverford Road rolling down the embankment onto Woodside Avenue North.

On arrival, E1 firefighter-paramedic Marc Poynter immediately accessed the single patient through the windshield area and provided care and assessment. E1 engineer Robert Williams deployed a dry chemical extinguisher and preconnected hoseline for fire control. Due to the vehicle position and damage, firefighters from Santee Truck 4 utilized their Holmatro® hydraulic rescue cutters to remove part of the roof allowing extrication of the patient.  Upon extrication, care was transferred to firefighter-paramedics on M2 who packaged the patient and transported to Sharp Memorial Trauma Center.

The area where this accident occurred is a joint response area for the Lakeside and Santee Fire departments. Under a decades-old automatic aid agreement, Lakeside and Santee firefighters work together on a daily basis to provide fire, rescue, and EMS (paramedic) services to our region.

Units attending this incident included: E1, M2 (Lakeside); T4, 4203 (Santee); 4803 (Barona). S.D. Sheriff and CHP also assisted.

The roof was "flapped" to access the patient.

SB Hwy 67 is at the top of the embankment

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photos by: FF-PM Marc Poynter, Lakeside Fire District

You Changed Your Clocks. Did you change Your Batteries?

Lakeside, CA - 

It's hard to believe it's that time of the year again. Time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. It is a fact that a working smoke alarm doubles your chance of surviving a home fire.

After inserting a fresh battery in each smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector, push the safety test button to make sure alarms are in proper working condition. Conduct this test monthly. Never disconnect your smoke alarm battery. Remember that a "chirping" sound is a signal that a smoke alarm needs a new battery.

For more safety tips, CLICK HERE.

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Marine Vehicle Catches Fire on Interstate 8

Blossom Valley-

A group of Marines returning from a construction assignment in Yuma spent a little more time in Lakeside than they had anticipated when the truck carrying their construction equipment caught fire.

On Monday, October 28th, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. the Lakeside Fire District received a report of a semi truck on fire on Interstate 8 east of Lake Jennings Park Road. After the initial call went out additional information was received that this might involve a military vehicle with a fuel tank on fire. An additional engine and water tender were added to the response based on that information.

Firefighter-Paramedic Bing Tom applies water till the braking system had cooled down.

As crews arrived on scene they located a truck with a brake and tire fire in the westbound lanes just west of the old map stop. Relieved to see that some advanced weapon system was not involved in the blaze, crews quickly knocked down the fire, and cancelled units that were not needed. An alert driver had disconnected the trailer from the tractor so the fire could not spread to the fuel tanks.

The Marines had been assigned to a construction project in Yuma and were eagerly retuning to their home base at MCAS Miramar. Arrangements were made to get assistance to the stricken truck and CHP officers arrived to lend further assistance.

A total of three structural engines, a water tender, and a duty chief were initially dispatched. A total of 10 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident. After size-up the incident was handled by one engine.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

"10 Years After.... The Cedar Fire Community Reconnects & Reflects"

Lakeside, CA -

"10 Years After....  The Cedar Fire Community Reconnects & Reflects"

The community is invited to attend a special event on Saturday, October 26, 2013, for an opportunity to remember the events surrounding the Cedar Fire. Being held at the Riverpark Fire Station at 12216 Lakeside Ave, Lakeside, CA 92040,  the event will begin at 10:00 am and will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony for the future site of the "Cedar Fire Historical Monument."

Community groups will be on hand with displays and food will be provided by the Optimist Club of Lakeside.  Come by and join us for a chance to reconnect and reflect about the event that had such an impact on our community 10 years ago.

View Lakeside Fire Station 2 Grand Opening in a larger map

Lunch Hour Accident Causes Traffic Delays on Interstate 8

Flinn Springs-

An eastbound driver escaped with relatively minor injures when he reportedly fell asleep causing a spin-out accident on Interstate 8 near Dunbar Lane.

On Thursday, October 24, 2013, at 12:27 p.m., the Lakeside Fire District received a report of a vehicle that had left the roadway and had possibly overturned. Two structural engines, a rescue company, one ALS medic unit, and a duty chief were dispatched to the incident. Responding units encountered heavy traffic about two miles away from the incident which had effectively blocked the slow lane.

Lakeside paramedics evaluate the driver while another firefighter secures the vehicle.

On the arrival of Rescue 3 and Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station), it was determined that the occupant had self extricated from the vehicle and, fortunately, had only minor complaints of pain. The driver was transported to a local hospital via Lakeside paramedics.

Unfortunately the damage had already been done. Eastbound traffic was jammed almost back to the Olde Highway 80 over-crossing (about 2 miles away). Although the CHP quickly cleared the lane it took some time for traffic to return to normal.

Lakeside Fire was assisted by the Alpine Fire Protection District. A total of 9 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident.

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

Highway 8 Business Accident Sends Two to Hospital

Johnstown-

On Tuesday, October 22, 2013, at 3:59 p.m., the Lakeside Fire District received a report of a vehicle accident in the area of Pinkard Way and Highway 8 Business. Dispatched on the incident was one structural engine, and an ALS medic unit.

Both vehicles suffered significant damage.

On the arrival of Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station), firefighters discovered two vehicles that had been involved in a significant collision that had occurred at speeds around 40 mph. Both vehicles came to rest on private property, one causing structural damage to the complex.

While on the exterior there is significant damage, the crumple zones absorbed energy that could have damaged the passenger compartment. These occupants walked away with minor injuries.

Upon assessing the occupants it was quickly discovered that all occupants had suffered relatively minor injuries considering the speeds involved. All occupants reported that their seat belts were in use and one car had deployed its driver side and passenger airbags.

Without a doubt, these occupant would have suffered life threatening injuries had their safety restraints not been in use in a vehicle not equipped with airbags. In this situation all occupants had minor complaints of pain and were transported to the hospital via Medic 2 (River Park Station).

CHP is investigating the accident. A total of five Lakeside personnel responded to the incident.

Chalk up another one for airbags and safety restraints...!

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Community of Lakeside Turns Out for Kids' Newsday

Lakeside, CA -

In the early morning hours of October 22, 2013, firefighters from all four Lakeside fire stations hit the streets in support of U-T Kids' NewsDay. This annual event provides much needed funding for programs at Rady Children's Hospital which include direct assistance to families, to community education programs. This year marks the 24th year of this effort that involves about 1,600 volunteers all over the county. This effort is in a partnership with U-T San Diego, KNSD NBC7, and the Rady Children's Hospital Auxiliary.

Firefighter-Paramedic Steve Russo selling papers on Highway 8 Business. This site eventually ran out of papers.

Fire Engineers Lance Buford and Shawn McKenna with a few papers left to sell on Los Coches Rd. They too ran out of papers.

This year the Lakeside Firefighters were stationed at a number of locations throughout Lakeside, Glenview, and Blossom Valley. The response was so good that many of the sites ran out of newspapers before the morning rush hour had subsided. By the end of the event, the community of Lakeside had donated $3,580 for the cause. An additional $500 was donated by the Lakeside Fire Fighters' Association to bring the total over $4,000.

A big thank you to the community for taking the time to pull over and buy a paper. We'll see you once again next year....... If you missed the event but would still like to donate, click HERE for the link.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Passing of Former Lakeside Division Chief Norman Lepker

The entire Lakeside community lost a remarkable public servant on Saturday, October 19, 2013. Norman Lepker, who served with the Lakeside Fire Protection District from 1965 to 1988, passed away while in Colorado assisting flood victims. Division Chief Lepker was instrumental in launching the voter-approved Heartland Ambulance District, bringing the county's first paramedic service to Lakeside, Santee, and Bostonia. A true pioneer of Emergency Medical Services, the community has Chief Lepker to thank for setting the high standard of quality emergency services they enjoy today.

The district and its entire staff would like to offer their condolences to Chief Lepker's family. Services will be held at the Timberline Church (address below) on October 24, 2013, at noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to fire and flood victims in Colorado. Checks should be made out to the charity "Serve 6.8" and sent to:

Timberline Church
2908 S. Timberline Rd.
Fort Collins, CO 80525

Serve 6.8's web site: http://www.nocofoundation.org/page/324/title/Serve%206.8/

Submitted By: Division Chief Jim Kirkpatrick, Lakeside Fire District

U-T Kids' NewsDay is Tomorrow

Lakeside, CA - 

Keep an eye out for Lakeside Fire Fighters tomorrow morning, October 22, 2013. We will be out early, helping raise money for Rady Children's Hospital during the 24th annual U-T Kids' NewsDay.

U-T Kids’ NewsDay covers the advances being made and lives being changed at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego. This annual event is made possible through a special partnership of U-T San Diego, NBC 7 San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary. Every dollar raised from the sale of the U-T Kids’ NewsDay provides funding that has a direct impact on patient care and community education.

For more information click HERE.


Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Assists CAL Fire with Multi-Patient Accident on Dehesa

Dehesa-

On Sunday, October 13th, 2013 at 8:13 a.m., the Lakeside Fire District received an automatic aid request to respond Rescue 3 to the area of Dehesa Rd and Matamo Pl. Initial reports indicated a high-speed head-on collision with multiple injured parties. Dispatched to the incident were three structural engines, two rescue companies, one ALS medic unit, and a CAL Fire duty chief.

Firefighter-Paramedics from multiple agencies work to stabilize a critically injured occupant. The red fluid on the ground is automatic transmission fluid.

With the arrival of Engine 23 (San Miguel Fire-Dehesa Station) they indicated a number of moderately (to severely) injured parties with an entrapment. The process of sorting, and treating, the victims began. Command was assumed by a CAL Fire chief officer where the task of organizing the incident was initiated.

Type of damage that results from a high speed head-on collision. Note the deployed airbag.

On the arrival of Engine 63 and Medic 63 (Sycuan Fire) extrication, and treatment of the victims, continued. The crew from Engine 63 was able to free the trapped victim with rescue tools carried on the engine.  The crew from Rescue 3 was assigned to assist with the treatment of a critically injured patient.

A request was made for Mercy Air to respond and transport the critically injured victim to the trauma center at Sharp Memorial Hospital.

The crew from Engine 19 (San Miguel-Bostonia) stands-by while Mercy Air lifts off for Sharp Memoial.

This incident is another example how automatic-aid works to not only manage fire incidents but any incident that requires a coordinated effort.

Units assisting San Miguel/CAL Fire were Sycuan Fire Department, Lakeside Fire District, and American Medical Response, and Mercy Air

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

Fire Crew Returning from Hospital Gets a Big Surprise

Glenview-

Engine Company 3 (Lake Jennings Station) was returning from the hospital, after transporting a critically injured victim, when they stumbled across a fully engulfed semi truck fire. On 10/11/13, at 8:25 pm, Engine 3 was eastbound on Interstate 8 east of Greenfield Drive when the crew noticed an orange glow reflecting off the hillside down the freeway. As they crested the hill they discovered a semi truck (tractor) fully involved in flames.

Fire Captain Rick Dalldorf looks over fire damage to the battery area of the truck.

After notifying the Heartland Communications Center of their sudden discovery, additional engines were sent from Lakeside Fire and Heartland Fire & Rescue. A request was also made for the water tender to respond from the River Park Fire Station.

Because the crew had no prior knowledge of the fire they had to quickly don safety gear on the edge of the freeway and pull attack lines. After a short attack on the fire the flames had been knocked down and the process of overhaul could begin.

Cause of the fire is under investigation. Lakeside Fire was assisted by Heartland Fire & Rescue and Barona Fire. The driver, and occupant, escaped without injury.

Crews securing power after the fire was controlled.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Multi-Agency Response Stops Brush Fire in Lakeside

Lakeside, Ca -

Central Zone firefighters were alerted to a vegetation fire just before 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 6, 2013. Heartland Fire Communications dispatched a high wildland resource assignment after receiving numerous calls reporting a fire on the hillside near the 10400 of Aquilla Drive in Lakeside. Initial responding units reported smoke visible from a distance indicating a working vegetation fire.

Engine 4 (SNT) arrived on scene first and reported approximately 1 acre of vegetation burning on the hillside behind homes on Aquilla Drive. Lakeside Division 4106 (Kirkpatrick) arrived and assumed Incident Command (Aquilla IC), directing arriving fire crews to initiate fire attack on each flank of the fire. As this area of the Lakeside Fire District is also designated as state responsibility area (SRA), CalFire also initiated a wildland resource response including aircraft.

Air tankers made several retardant drops to slow the forward spread of the fire, allowing firefighters on the ground to eventually surround the fire with hoselays. Helicopters supported the ground forces with water drops. As a further precaution, the IC ordered a strike team of type I engines to the Eucalyptus Hills area to prepare for structure defense if needed.

The rapid response and immediate commitment of fire resources held this fire to approximately 15 acres with no damage to structures and no civilian injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Central Zone resources assigned to this incident included: E2, E3, WT7251, Div. 4106, Div. 4105, Div. 4103, Chief 4101, Support 4140 (Lakeside); E4, Br4, E5, E204 (Santee); E6, E8, E9, Batt. 3 (Heartland Fire-Rescue); Br27, Chief 4801 (Barona).

Fire runs up drainage behind structures. (Photo By: David Worsham)

A Cal Fire air tanker makes a hard bank while making a drop. (Photo By: Jeff Holz)

A lone firefighter is dwarfed by the massive boulders on the hillside. (Photo By: Jeff Holz) 

Firefighters navigate through challenging terrain while putting in a hose lay. (Photo By: Jeff Holz) 

Keli Bedford-Owen caught this shot of Copter 12 working the perimeter of the fire.

With the sound of approaching aircraft Lisa Ball's daughter grabbed the camera an caught this S2t working the west flank.

With a load of retardant suspended in air this S2t continues to maneuver down a predetermined path. This image was caught by Shannon Dixon-Jackson 

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photos by: David Worsham, Jeff Holz, Keli Bedford-Owen, Lisa Ball's daughter, and Shannon Dixon-Jackson

UPDATE: final acreage for fire was estimated at 28 acres.

Lakeside Fire Holds Open House

 Lake Jennings Fire Station -

 Lakeside Firefighters hosted our annual open house this year on September 28, 2013. It was once again a great success. Our open house is held during Fire Prevention Week and is a great way for the public to learn about fire prevention, as well as get tours of the fire station, explore all of our fire apparatus, watch demonstrations, and much more. This year’s fire prevention theme is how to prevent kitchen fires.

Engine 202s with the boom in operation

Face painting in full effect

With the help of the Lakeside School District, we were allowed to deliver paper flyers to all of their students.  With this, we had record-breaking attendance in the history of our open house.

We tried to raise the bar this year with our open house as it is our 50th anniversary as a fire protection district. This year we had donations from local businesses in Lakeside such as Eastbound Bar and Grill, for the donations of pulled pork sandwiches, and Horn’s Auto, for their donation of two vehicles that were used for our vehicle rescue demonstrations.

SDSO K-9 Demo

SDSO Bomb Unit

Rescue 3 Extrication Demo

Participants in the Lakeside Firefighters Open House include: Eastbound Bar and Grill, Horn’s Auto, San Diego Sheriff Department Crime Prevention, Bomb Arson, and K-9 unit, CalFire, UCSD Burn Center, Burn Institute, SDG&E Outreach Program, Sharp Grossmont (Stroke screening), Lakeside Amateur Radio Club, Lakeside Volunteer Group (LVG), CERT, California Highway Patrol, Discount Signs and Banners, and Copy Corral.

We would like to give a special thanks to our own Logistics Volunteer Group for their continuous strong support to the Lakeside Fire Protection District. 

Submitted by:  Firefighter-Paramedic Marc Poynter
Additional photography by:  Horn's Towing