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

Lakeside Fire Fighters are "Passionately Pink" for the Cure

Lakeside, Ca -

Lakeside Fire Fighters Association, Local 4488, International Association of Fire Fighters, in conjunction with the Lakeside Fire Protection District are going "Passionately Pink" for the cure. During the month of October, Lakeside firefighters will be wearing specially designed "Pink for the Cure" duty t-shirts to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research.

The Fire Fighters' Association has committed $1000 toward this worthwhile annual fundraiser. If you would like to make a donation, please visit Lakeside Fire Fighters fundraising page HERE.

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Shirt Design by: Firefighter-Paramedic Steve Russo, Lakeside Fire District