Strike Team Mobilized for Willow Fire

Lakeside, CA -

Around 0100 last night Strike Team 6440C,  with Heartland resources including Lakeside Brush 1, was mobilized to aid in the fire attack on the Willow Fire (Sierra National Forest) located near Bass Lake and northeast of North Fork, California. The fire started July 25th and has affected 3,383 acres and is currently 30% contained. A total of 1,545 personnel are on the fire lines. Weather forecast today is for dry thunderstorms and possible monsoonal moisture Friday and Saturday. Personnel from Station 1 and assigned to Brush Rig 1 are Captain Ian Lowe, Engineer Shawn McKenna and Firefighter/Paramedic Brandon Battaglia. Captain John Hisaw is also assigned as a Strike Team trainee.

Post by M. Brown, LVG

Lakeside Fire Joins Attack on Cutca Wildfire

Lakeside, CA -

In the early morning of July 25, 2015, Water Tender 7251, out of Station 2, was called up to be a part of a multi-agency attack on the wildfire in the Cleveland National Forest. The Cutca fire began at 4:00 pm on Friday, July 24. The fire is located in a steep and inaccessible terrain east of Cutca Valley and south of Long Canyon, two (2) miles north of the Palomar Observatory. No structures have been threatened.  This area has no history of fire activity. The fire is currently 50% contained and crews are mopping up.

Water Tender 7251 was released last night as the fire started to wind down.

How is your defensible space?

Lakeside, CA -

While we enjoyed the recent rains, the impact of a four year drought is still with us. Historically, our fire season is in the months of September, October and November. Maintaining defensible space is a year long effort during this potential dangerous drought. Now is the time to take a look around your property to ensure you have protected your home. Removing dry leaves from the yard, roof and gutters helps to decrease the chance of flying embers igniting your home. There are many other tips found in the above flyer. Remember, if there is a fire, firefighters can safely access the perimeter of your home and defend the property. Make sure you have a wildfire evacuation plan that includes a family communication plan. Additional tips on developing a plan can be found at Ready For Wildfire Website.

Strike Team Dispatched to North Fire

Lakeside, CA -

BR-1 along with crews from Heartland Fire and Barona Fire have been sent to the North Fire (off 1-15) where the fire has burned 3,500 acres and is currently 5% contained.  Good luck to all personnel involved and stay safe!

For information on the fire, click here.

Update 7/19/15:

North Fire is now 60% contained and evacuations have been lifted. Strike Team is being demobilized and heading home.

Fourth of July Reminder

Lakeside, Calif. -

The Lakeside Fire Protection District would like to remind everyone that all consumer fireworks are illegal in San Diego County. 

In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage. Our extremely dry conditions mean that even one small spark can start a brush fire, destroying homes, and, most importantly, lives.

To see a list of where to go in San Diego to watch commercial fireworks, click here.

Remember to have a fun and safe Fourth of July!