Lakeside Firefighters Honored at The Meadows

Flinn Springs, CA -

The residents of The Meadows mobile home community invited Lakeside Firefighters to a pancake breakfast on Saturday, April 9, 2016. The purpose of the breakfast was to thank local firefighters for their service to this community. Some residents were sporting custom made t-shirts thanking the firefighters for saving their lives (and the lives of their loved ones.) One gentleman we met told us how active he is playing softball and bowling several times each week and stating it would not be possible if not for the lifesaving service our firefighter-paramedics provided him in his time of need. Our firefighters heard many stories like this during their visit.

This event was a good reminder of why we come to work every shift. Thanks to the terrific residents at The Meadows. We had a great time.

Engine 26 and Medic 3 enjoy a visit to The Meadows MHP.

Post and Photo by: Division Chief Bernie Molloy, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Assist Alpine at Residential Structure Fire

Alpine, CA - 

Lakeside firefighters assisted Alpine Fire at a fire in a vacant residential structure on Eltinge Dr. on the evening of April 7, 2016. Viejas Engine 25 was first on scene reporting smoke from the attic area. Crews forced entry to the home and pulled ceilings to access the fire in the attic. The fire was extinguished in approximately 20 minutes. Firefighters remained on scene for overhaul for two hours. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Attic fires can be some of the most complicated and labor intensive types of fires to fight.

Responding resources included: E17, Div 4702 (ACP); E25, Chief 5801 (VJS);  E26, E3 (LKS); T4, R5 (SNT); E7415 (SDF).

Providing lighting to interior crews.

SNT Rescue 5 providing incident air support.

Post and photos by: Engineer-Paramedic Danny Leetch, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Honor Fallen Brother

 Bonita, CA -

Lakeside Engine 1 was in attendance at a memorial service to honor the life and service of Captain Bill Stutzman of the Donovan Correctional Facility Fire Department who died suddenly this month. Many local firefighters were there including the Chula Vista and San Diego Fire Rescue Department honor guards. Captain Stutzman was also honored as a USAF veteran by a moving flag presentation. Lakeside Firefighters are proud to honor our fallen brother. Interment will be at Miramar National Cemetery.

l-r Engineer Vasquez, Captain Barnes, FF-PM Paterson

Photo and post by: Captain Wes Barnes, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Battle Fire at Eastbound Neighborhood Grill

Lakeside, CA -

At 4:08 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2016, Lakeside Firefighters were alerted to a reported commercial structure fire in the 10000 block of Maine Avenue in the old downtown Lakeside business district. Engine 2 from the nearby River Park fire station was on scene in under five minutes reporting moderate smoke showing from the roof of the Eastbound Neighborhood Grill, a popular local bar and restaurant.

Lakeside Division 4103 (Hisaw) arrived simultaneously, assumed Maine Incident Command (IC), and began directing firefighting operations. With the quick arrival of subsequent companies, E2's crew stretched a hoseline to the smoky interior of the building to discover a well-advanced fire in the kitchen. It took firefighters around ten minutes to knock down the fire. An additional hoseline was stretched to the roof by the Truck 4 crew to extinguish fire that had also extended there. The quick response and aggressive operations limited fire damage to the kitchen. The rest of the occupancy did have some smoke and water damage.

Lakeside Firefighters would like to acknowledge our automatic-aid partners for their timely assistance in controlling this dangerous fire. Units attending this incident included: E1, E2, E3, M2, Div. 4103, Div. 4105, Chief 4101, Support 4140 (Lakeside); E4, T4 (Santee); E8, E9 (Heartland). Additionally, Heartland Engine 10 was moved to cover Lakeside Fire Station 2 during the incident. San Diego Sheriff's deputies also assisted.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Hoselines stretched off Engine 2.

The fire hydrant was close by.

Lakeside LVGs set up incident support near Santee Truck 4.

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

Firefighter Survival Training at Lakeside FS2

Lakeside, CA - 

Lakeside's A-Division firefighters drilled on firefighter survival techniques at the River Park fire station training tower on March 21, 2016. This important training, developed by the California Fire Service Training and Education Program (FSTEP), focuses on techniques for escaping entrapment situations during above-ground firefighting operations. In order to ensure safety, a rope system and harness are used to provide fall protection.

The first technique is the head-first ladder bail utilizing an existing ground ladder. This evolution allows the firefighter to rapidly exit the window and immediately pivot to a feet first profile.

FF-PM Brent Watte bails out the window.

 The next technique is the hose slide, utilizing a hoseline to slide to the ground.

Engineer-PM Josh Wilson slides to safety.

Post and Photos by: Captain Eric Stamm, Lakeside Fire District

Local Fire Agency Designators

Lakeside, CA - 

It is a well known fact that the California fire service has developed a robust system for the sharing of resources during periods of statewide emergency. This "Mutual Aid" system, established in the 1970s to help combat our perennial wildfires, is perhaps the most advanced in the world. It has evolved into a complex system able to instantly mobilize a great number of fire resources (engines, crews, aircraft, dozers, management teams) and quickly move them to areas of the state with the need for help.

The cornerstone of California mutual aid is the Multi-Agency Coordination System or "MACS." Contained within MACS is a Resource Designation System part of which provides a three letter designator for each separate agency and mutual aid operational area.

The San Diego operational area's MACS designator is XSD. Local fire agency designators for the San Diego County Central and Metro Zones are as follows:

CENTRAL ZONE:
Alpine - ACP;
Barona - BBB;
Bonita-Sunnyside - BON;
Lakeside - LKS;
Heartland Fire-Rescue - HRT;
Santee - SNT;
Sycuan - SYC;
Viejas - VJS;

METRO ZONE:
Chula Vista - CHV;
Coronado - CRD;
Federal - FFD;
Imperial Beach - IMB;
Miramar - MSM;
National City - NAT;
Poway - POW;
San Diego - SND.

http://www.firescope.org

 Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Firefighters Battle Tractor Trailer Fire

Lakeside, CA - 

Overheated brakes ignited a fire in a semi tractor trailer on westbound I-8 near Dunbar Lane on the evening of March 13, 2016. On arrival, firefighters encountered a 53-foot trailer well-involved with fire. Due to the limited water supply at the scene, several engines were initially required to battle the blaze. Additionally, Lakeside's water tender (WT7251) was also dispatched. Once the fire was knocked down, extensive overhaul operations were required to ensure all fire was extinguished. Several engine companies were on scene for nearly six hours.

Units attending this incident included: E2, E3, WT7251, Div.4104 (LKS); E17, Div. 4702 (ACP); E25 (VJS); E8 (HFR); B2 (SNT). Other assisting agencies included CHP and CalTrans.

The trailer was a total loss.

A CalTrans loader helps clean up.

Post and photos by: Captain Ian Lowe, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Fire Hosts CERT Drill

On Saturday, February 27th, Lakeside Fire Protection District Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) conducted a simulated natural disaster at the Meadows Mobile Home Park. The drills consisted of a variety of scenario based exercises with an attempt to simulate what CERT members would experience during a real activation.

CERT Members practice First Aid Skills

The CERT members received a text message CERT activation, which described a natural disaster that caused damage to the Meadows MHP. When the CERT members arrived on scene, they immediately established the Incident Command System. The incident command system is the same system structure that is used throughout the nation by emergency response agencies to manage emergency responses.

CERT Members practice extricating patients

 The exercises the CERT members trained in were: damaged structure with gas leaks, injured victims dressed in moulage (makeup to simulate injuries), multiple fires, traffic control, and conducting radio communication through the proper channels.

The Community Center was transformed into a Command Post

Lakeside CERT members were professional and resourceful throughout the drill. The Lakeside FPD CERT members are progressively growing. I would like to thank everyone for their participation.

CERT Members having an After Action Review

Story and pictures provided by Engineer Lance Buford, LFPD CERT Coordinator

Wire Down Call Starts Fires

Lakeside, CA -

A vehicle struck a utility pole in Lakeside on March 3, 2016, bringing down high-voltage electrical lines and starting two small fires. Engine 1 from the Riverview Fire Station responded to the 9400 block of Marilla Drive and confirmed the traffic collision was non-injury. Firefighters secured the scene to wait for SDG&E to cut the power before extinguishing the two small fires. Assisting units included E3,M2 and Div. 4103 (Hisaw).

Incidents involving power lines can be very dangerous. ANY downed power line must be considered live until the power is confirmed shut-off by SDG&E.

Lakeside FF-PM Brandon Battaglia secures the north side.

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photo by: FF-PM Bing Tom, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Battle Motorhome Fire

Lakeside, CA - 

Early on the morning of February 9, 2016, Heartland Communications (HCFA) dispatchers received a 911 call reporting a large motorhome on fire in the 11500 block of Oak Creek Drive in the Eucalyptus Hills area of Lakeside. HCFA alerted Lakeside fire stations 1 and 2 at 5:27 a.m. for a large vehicle fire response. Lakeside Division 4105 (Molloy) and E2 arrived in just over seven minutes reporting a large class A motorhome in a residential driveway well-involved with fire. Division 4105 assumed Oak Creek IC and assigned E2 to attack the fire. E1 arrived and assisted with establishing a water supply and pulled an additional hoseline to help extinguish the fire. During extinguishment, the electrical service to the home burned through and dropped in the street. The fire was confined to the motorhome.

As was the case with this incident, fires in motorhomes progress very rapidly and generate a tremendous amount of heat due to the types of materials used in their construction. The quick fire department response to this incident helped ensure that this dangerous fire did not extend to the nearby house.

Resources attending this incident included E1, E2, Div.4105, Chief 4101. Assisting agencies included S.D. Sheriff, CHP, and SDG&E. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The view from the Incident Command Post.

E1 arrives to assist.

Getting water on the fire.

Engineer-Paramedic Jamie Hazlewood managing his pump panel.

FF-PMs Bing Tom and Chase Mashburn overhaul the fire.

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photos by: Division Chief Bernie Molloy and Engineer Shawn McKenna, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Fire Assists Alpine at Fatality Traffic Collision

Alpine, CA - 

Lakeside Firefighters responded to assist Alpine Fire with a freeway traffic collision with a trapped driver on westbound I-8 in Alpine on Monday, February 8, 2016. B-division crews from Lakeside's Blossom Valley (fs26) and Lake Jennings (fs3) stations were alerted to respond at 5:21 a.m.

Sadly, the incident became a body recovery as it was confirmed early-on that the trapped driver had sustained fatal injuries. The subsequent extrication was described as "very complicated" by Lakeside Fire Captain Ian Lowe, who responded with Lakeside Rescue 3. It took firefighters around 40-minutes to complete the operation.


This incident exemplifies the close working relationship that east county firefighters rely on virtually every day. Other responding resources included Chief 4701 (Paskle), E17 (Alpine), and Medic 7296.

The van sustained major damage.

E17 and R3 spot to protect the scene.

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photos by: Firefighter-Paramedic Colby Ross, Alpine Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Assist with Mountain Rescue

Mount Laguna, CA - 

Firefighters from Lakeside's Lake Jennings Fire Station (fs3) were dispatched to assist in the rescue of a horse and rider that plunged 200 feet down a cliff off Sunrise Highway on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. Lakeside Rescue 3 was part of a multi-agency team that accessed the injured rider using a technical rescue rope system. Other agencies attending the incident included CalFire, U.S. Forest Service, S.D. Sheriff, Park Rangers, and San Diego Fire-Rescue.

Lakeside Rescue 3.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/feb/04/horse-rider-laguna-mountain-rescue/

Post by: Captain Ian Lowe, Lakeside Fire District

C-Division Aerial Operations Training at TOTF

Lakeside, CA - 

Lakeside Firefighters train every shift. At least twice every month, our engine companies and medic units attend what is referred to as "color group" training at the Thomas H. Owen Heartland Fire Training Facility (TOTF) in El Cajon. This training facility, which opened December 1, 1973, was one of the first of its kind in the nation, formed as a Joint Powers Authority between three east county fire districts (Lakeside, Santee, Spring Valley) and two cities (La Mesa, El Cajon). TOTF provides training for hundreds of firefighters every year from all over San Diego County.

The C-Division crew from Lakeside's River Park Fire Station (fs2) attended their regularly scheduled drill time at TOTF ("the tower") this morning. E202s and M2 personnel worked on hose evolutions for fire attack, pumper operations, and a specialized drill utilizing the aerial ladder on the pumper (E202s).

Engine 202s is a specialized apparatus which is rated as a Type I fire engine capable of pumping 1500 gallons per minute for fire control. Additionally, the engine has a 65-foot Telesqurt, telescoping aerial boom with a ladder. This apparatus provides aerial rescue capability and an elevated nozzle capable of discharging up to 1000 gallons per minute for fire control.

Lakeside Probationary FF-PM Kyle McKee climbs the aerial.

Lakeside Engine 202s, 65-foot TeleSqurt.

Post By: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photos By: FF-PM Brian Moore, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Stayed Busy in 2015

Lakeside, CA - 

The close of 2015 saw another busy year for firefighters in Lakeside. Our four paramedic engine companies and two paramedic transport ambulances attended a total of 8553 separate incidents generating over 13,000 unit responses (each incident often has more than one unit assigned.) These incidents represent an average of more than 23 responses each 24-hour period. For the year, calls within the Lakeside Fire District proper totaled 6016; the other responses represent automatic (and mutual) aid responses to assist our partner agencies, primarily in the Central Zone. Annual run totals by Lakeside stations and units are as follows:

Station 1 (Riverview):   1714

• Engine 1:   1684
• Brush 1:     30 

Station 2 (River Park): 5652

• Engine 2:       2035
• Engine 202s:  88
• Medic 2:        3486
• WT7251:        43

Station 3 (Lake Jennings): 4910

• Engine 3:   1659
• Rescue 3:   289
• Medic 3:     2962

Station 26 (Blossom Valley):  805

• Engine 26:   792
• OES305:     13     

The Lakeside Fire District is an "all-risk" agency providing service for many different kinds of incidents, both emergency and non-emergency. In 2015, Lakeside firefighters responded to the following calls for service:

Medical Aid - 4930
(Heart attack, stroke, bleeding, falls, seizures, etc.)

Traffic Collisions - 384
(Vehicle collisions, auto vs. pedestrian, motorcycle accident)

Public Service - 303
(Lift assist, snake removal, child locked in auto, etc.)

Ringing Alarms - 97
(Fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms)

Structure Fires - 60
Single family, multi family, commercial buildings)

Vehicle Fires - 52

Vegetation Fires - 31
 (Wildland, brush, grass)

Odor Check/Gas Emergencies - 27
(gas line break, gas leaks)

Rescue - 19
(Vehicle extrication, rope rescue, physical rescue)

Hazardous Materials - 4 




Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Extinguish Structure Fire

El Monte Valley -

Just after 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 4, 2016, Heartland Fire Communications received numerous reports of a fire on the northeast end of the El Monte Valley in Lakeside. Because of the remote nature of area, the initial report was for a vegetation fire. While enroute the incident, Lakeside Division 4105 (Molloy) was updated with additional information suggesting a probable structure fire. Chief Molloy added additional units to the response and arrived on scene reporting a large outbuilding well-involved with fire extending to the surrounding vegetation. Lakeside Engine 3 (Lake Jennings) arrived and quickly stretched a handline to attack the fire. Engines 2 (River Park) and 26 (Blossom Valley) also arrived and assisted.

In this area of the fire district there is no municipal water system (and therefore, no fire hydrants). In order to ensure an adequate water supply for firefighting operations, the district water tender (WT7251) is automatically dispatched as part of any fire response in this area. The total amount of water delivered to the scene with the initial response to this fire exceeded 3000 gallons.

The fire was quickly knocked down and extension was limited to a small area of vegetation. Additional responding resources included: E4, Br4 (Santee); Division 4103, Chief 4101, M3 (Lakeside). Also assisting were several San Diego Sheriff Deputies. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Smoke was visible from a distance.

Lakeside Fire Captain Chris Downing directs the fire attack.

Probationary Firefighter-Paramedic Ernie Flint on the nozzle.

Lakeside Captain Wes Barnes helps with overhaul.

Lakeside Fire Engineers Lance Buford (r) and Jamie Hazlewood put together the water supply plan.

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