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

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

Lakeside Fire Receives an OES Engine Company

Lakeside Fire District-

The Lakeside Fire District has accepted delivery of an Office of Emergency Services engine company. OES Engine 305 is owned and operated by the State of California through their CalOES division. The California Office of Emergency Services has a long tradition of providing emergency services to the state dating back to World War II.

OES 305 at Station 26 in Blossom Valley

Emergency response and the creation of a statewide agency has deep roots in the 1941 "War Powers Act." This piece of legislation gave California's governor new powers to act to protect its citizens should they come under attack. The task of fulfilling this responsibility was assigned to the attorney general. To develop a plan, a meeting was held with fire chiefs from the ten "Civilian Defense Zones," and representatives from the three largest cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego). This committee would soon be known as the State Fire Advisory Committee. In 1951 this committee would develop the first regional plan to respond to fire related disasters.

OES 305 will proudly carry the community name "Lakeside" on deployments

In 1952 the State of California would make its first purchase of 58 engine companies. As part of the deployment plan, the decision was made to send these units in groups of five with a supervisor to incidents. This configuration of resources is still used to this day under the term "strike team.".

With the Korean Conflict came an expansion of this plan with the development of the "Office of Civil Defense." Within this organization was a branch dedicated to Fire and Rescue and Emergency Services.

As a result of the disastrous 1970 wildfires, the state's response to fires was completely revised under the new California Emergency Services Act. Under this new plan a "legal" basis was established for the governor's response to disasters within the state. This act gave birth to today's CalOES.

The OES pumper will be assigned to the Blossom Valley Fire Station where Lakeside personnel will maintain and staff the apparatus when needed. Its distinctive "yellow/green" paint scheme sets it apart from other fire apparatus in the District. So if you see this engine around town just remember it got its start in the uncertain times of 1941.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Structure Fire in Blossom Valley brings Multi-Agency Response

Blossom Valley-

On Tuesday, March 12th 2013 at 11:32 PM, the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a call about a fire in a detached garage in the 10000 blk of Silva Rd in the Blossom Valley area. The reporting party stated that an RV in the structure was possibly on fire. Four structural engines, a truck company, and ALS medic unit, and two duty chiefs were assigned to the call.

Crews attack the fire inside of the RV.

On the arrival of Engine 26 (Blossom Valley Station) they found a large detached garage with heavy smoke conditions on the interior. With the arrival of Engine 17 (Alpine Fire) crews accessed the interior and found smoke conditions down to the floor. Interior crews were able to open up the doors to decrease smoke conditions, they then discovered the fire was isolated to the interior of the vehicle. Fortunately the fire had not extended to the structure.

Lakeside Fire was assisted by Alpine and Viejas Fire. Cause is currently under investigation.

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map  

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

Gas Leak Closes Blossom Valley Road

Blossom Valley-

On Wednesday, February 13th, 2013 at 8:47 AM, the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a call about a ruptured natural gas line in the 10000 blk of Blossom Valley Road. The reporting party stated that the service line to the residence had been ruptured and was leaking gas.

Crews staff a charged hose line in anticipation of SDG&E crews working in close proximity.

On the arrival of Engine 26 (Blossom Valley Station) they determined a gas line had been ruptured during the installation of a fence and the leak was deep inside of a post hole. Because of the vicinity of the leak next to the roadway the decision was made to close Blossom Valley Road. On the arrival of 4103 (Laff) he assumed command of the incident and assigned 4702 (Rushing, Alpine FD) to a safety position.

A firefighter stands at the ready with a charged hose line while a SDG&E crew works near the leak.

A clamp was applied till a permanent repair can be made.

SDG&E arrived and was able to access, and secure the leak. As a reminder, homeowners can call SDG&E prior to a project and they will locate your gas line free of charge.

Units Assigned to Incident:

Station #26 Blossom Valley Station	E26
Station #3 Lake Jennings Station	E3 M3
Station #1 Riverview Station	E1
Station #2 River Park Station	E2 4103 (Laff)
Alpine Fire District	4702 (Rushing)

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District
Photos By: Fire Captain Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire Protection District

Truck Driver Narrowly Escapes Serious Injury

On Friday, August 26, 2011, at 2:48 p.m., Lakeside firefighters responded to a report of a large truck accident on Driftwood Creek Rd. near Quail Canyon Rd. in Blossom Valley. Engine 26s (Blossom Valley fire station), Rescue 3 and Medic 3 (Lake Jennings fire station) arrived on scene to find a Waste Management refuse truck in its side fifty-feet down an embankment.

Fortunately the driver was able to jump free of the vehicle after losing control before it plummeted down the hillside. He sustained only minor injuries.

Firefighter Todd Welch stands by with a safety hose line.

After attending to the injured driver, Lakeside firefighters stood by with safety hoselines for the vehicle recovery operation. Two heavy-duty tow trucks from RoadOne towing were required to pull the massive wreck back up to the roadway through the dry vegetation.

This effort required consultation with the supervisor

As you can imagine, it was no simple task to recover the refuse truck. The effort took close to three hours with temperatures hovering just below 100 degrees.

Submitted by: Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire Captain
Pictures by: Robert Williams, Lakeside Fire Engineer

Suspicious Package Results In A Hazmat Response

On Wednesday, August 24, 2011, at 3:31pm, Lakeside firefighters from Blossom Valley station 26 were dispatched to investigate a report of a suspicious package containing unknown chemicals. Upon arrival at the Chocolate Summit Drive residence, the homeowner stated that an unexpected package was found at their front gate. The small cardboard box was marked with hazardous warning markings and lacked any shipping information to indicate its origin, intended destination, or exact contents.

Multi-Agency Hazmat Response

Sensing that something was not right, the homeowner left the package in place and called 911. After a cautious visualization by fire personnel, the package markings and incident situation was reported to the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health Hazardous Incident Response Team (DEH-HIRT) for consultation. The scene was secured and a safe perimeter was established.  Due to the circumstance and limited available information, it was decided that a full Hazmat response was indicated. This response included units from San Diego County and City Hazmat teams along with the San Diego Sheriff Bomb Squad.

Sheriff Bomb Squad with portable X-Ray equipment

A plan was developed with input from all agencies involved. Initially, Sheriff Bomb Squad personnel were sent in with portable x-ray equipment to determine if any evidence of an explosive device was present. The x-ray was then analyzed and no explosive device indicators were detected. San Diego City Hazmat-1 personnel were then sent in wearing level-B exposure suits to open the package and inspect its contents.

San Diego City Hazmat-1 personnel

Hazmat personnel discovered a two-part industrial adhesive inside which was properly packaged in accordance with hazardous materials transport regulations and deemed not to be a hazard. The box and contents, which included indications as to its origin, were removed from the scene by County Hazmat and an investigation into its intended destination will be conducted.

In this incident, the package turned out to be safe and harmless in its proper containers. However, the homeowner acted absolutely appropriately when faced with the unknown nature of the situation. Remember, if something doesn't seem right to you, treat it with caution and be on the safe side.

Submitted By: Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire Captain
Photos By: Robert Williams, Lakeside Fire Engineer

Paraglider Crash Brings Multi-Agency Response

Blossom Valley-

On Monday, June 13, 2011 at 5:56 p.m., the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a call from a downed paraglider pilot who stated he was below the Blossom Gliderport and believed he was severely injured. A full rescue response was dispatched that included two engine companies, a rescue company, ALS medic unit, and a battalion chief.

Lakeside paramedics initiated advanced life support upon arriving at scene.

As Battalion Chief Ron Laff accessed the area, he could see the collapsed canopy of the victim's glider significantly below the jump-off point at the glider port. A request was made for ASTREA from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department to respond and assist ground units in locating the victim. The crew from Rescue 3 and Medic 3 loaded their equipment into a four wheel drive unit and accessed the area.

The patient is hoisted to Copter 12.

A CalFire crew member, and Firefighter-Paramedic Chris Williams hang onto a "tagline" as the patient is hoisted to the helicopter. The "tagline" keeps the patient from spinning once he enters the rotor-wash from the suspended helicopter.

Once over the mountain, ASTREA was able to direct crews to the victim. On their arrival, the victim had complaints suggestive of spinal injuries and fractures. The patient was also exhibiting signs of shock. Paramedics on the scene initiated advanced life support, which included IV fluids to combat the shock.

The flight crew pulls the victim into the helicopter.

Due to the extremely steep terrain, the decision was made to hoist the patient to a helicopter then rendezvous with a Mercy Air helicopter for transport to a trauma center. Copter 12 was dispatched to the scene and made radio contact with ground units. Once overhead, the air crews had to carefully evaluate the safest method to hoist the patient.

Copter 12 lands at the landing zone to transfer the patient to Mercy Air 5

Mercy Air 5 lifts off for Sharp Memorial Trauma Center

A crew member was lowered to the scene and prepared the patient for the hoist operation. After the victim was safely in Copter 12, it departed the scene to land in a nearby field so the patient could be transferred to Mercy Air 5. The patient was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital for evaluation in the trauma center.

Agencies assisting the Lakeside Fire District include CalFire (air and ground), San Diego Sheriff Department, and Mercy Air. 




Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District.
Photos By: Firefighter-Paramedic Josh Raczka, Firefighter-Paramedic Chris Williams, and Firefighter Todd Welch, Lakeside Fire District

Blossom Valley Crash Sends One to Hospital

Blossom Valley: On Friday, December 31, 2010, at 2:54 p.m., the Lakeside Fire District received calls about a vehicle that had left the road and was overturned in the 9400 block of Quail Canyon Road. A structural engine, a rescue company, and an ALS ambulance were dispatched to the incident.

Fire Engineer Steve Schleif and Firefighter-Paramedic Jose Corona start a medical assessment on the occupant.

On the arrival of Rescue 3 (Lake Jennings Station), they located a compact car that had sustained major damage in a field between two residences. The sole occupant had managed to self-extricate himself from the wreckage and only had complaints of minor pain. The patient received initial care from the crew of Rescue 3, and was later transferred to Medic 1 (Riverview Fire Station) for transport to Kaiser Hospital.

A total of 8 Lakeside Fire personnel responded to the incident. The accident is being investigated by the CHP.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District

Paraglider Crash Brings Multi-Agency Response

Quail Canyon: On Saturday, November 27, 2010, at 2:05 p.m., the Lakeside Fire Protection District received a report of a paraglider that had experienced a rough landing at the Blossom Valley Glider Port, resulting in injuries to the pilot. A rescue response was dispatched including one structural engine, one rescue unit (with a 4x4 utility vehicle), an ALS ambulance, and battalion chief (Lawler).

Lakeside paramedics and CalFire flight crew members stabilize the injured patient.

 On arrival, crews were informed that the patient was at the top of the peak and had suffered spinal injuries due to rough landing. San Diego County Copter 10 had arrived in the area and was attempting to locate a landing zone while ground crews accessed the area.

Additional flight crew members arrive for the carryout to the copter.

 The crews from Rescue 3 (Lake Jennings Station) and Medic 3 accessed the area by vehicle and made patient contact.The CalFire flight crew had accessed the area and had initiated patient care. Due to the remote location, the decision was made to fly the patient via helicopter to the Rios Little League Field, where they would rendezvous with a ground transport unit.

Crew members load the injured pilot into San Diego Copter 10 for the flight to the Rios Little League Field

After the patient was stabilized, the crew hiked the patient to the helicopter where two Lakeside Paramedics boarded for the short flight to the ball field. From that location, that flight met with Engine 26s (Blossom Valley Station) and M3 (Lake Jennings Station) for ground transport to Sharp Trauma in San Diego.

Assisting Lakeside on this incident was SDSO, Cal Fire, and CHP. A total of nine Lakeside personnel responded to this incident.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighters Rescue Injured ParaGlider Pilot

Blossom Valley - Lakeside Fire crews were dispatched to assist an injured paraglider pilot in the Blossom Valley area of the fire district on Sunday, July 18, 2010. The assigned resources included one unit from the Blossom Valley fire station (Engine 26s) and two units from the Lake Jennings fire station (Rescue 3 & Medic 3) under the command of Lakeside Battalion Chief Brent Larkin (B1).

Crews used a four-wheel drive pickup to make access to the injured pilot who was on the hillside overlooking the El Monte valley. Due to the nature of his injuries and the inaccessible location, Quail IC (B1) opted for a helicopter evacuation of the patient.

Firefighters assess and package injured pilot on the hillside.

County Copter 10 (CalFire and SDSO) was requested from Gillespie Field to assist with the medical evac. Lakeside firefighter/paramedics performed a full assessment and packaged the patient for his brief helicopter ride. The Copter 10 crew performed a hoist rescue and delivered the patient to Lakeside Medic 3 at the landing zone at Blossom Valley Elementary School. The patient was ground transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital for evaluation and treatment. Lakeside Fire Chief Andy Parr (4101) assisted at the landing zone.

Paramedic intern James MacMaster attends injured pilot while Engineer/Paramedic Rich Smith supervises (note paraglider in background).

This type of call is a reminder of how valuable the County Helicopter program is to local fire agencies. Many thanks to the crew of Copter 10 for their assistance.

Copter 10 approaching the scene

Story by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District

Photos and video by: Firefighter/Paramedic Bernie Molly

Lakeside Firefighters Rescue Vehicle Accident Victims

Major front-end damage required extended extrication.

Blossom Valley: Heartland Fire Dispatch was advised of a vehicle accident on Interstate 8 just east of Lake Jennings Park road at 2:12 pm today. It was reported that a vehicle traveling eastbound on the freeway had crossed the center divide then passed through all westbound lanes sideswiping one vehicle and coming to rest on a frontage road. Barona Chief 4801 (Sandoval) happened upon the crash and directed responding units to the vehicle on Blossom Valley Road. Lakeside Battalion 1 (Laff) arrived on scene to find one heavily damaged vehicle with with two trapped occupants.

Crews work to free the trapped passenger

With the patient extricated Lakeside medics and the Mercy Air flight crew work to stabilize the patient.

B1 established Blossom Incident Command. Rescue 3, Medic 3 and Engine 26s arrived seconds later to begin emergency operations. The vehicle sustained major front-end damage concentrated on the right side resulting in the female passenger being heavily trapped. Due to the need for extended extrication efforts, B1 requested additional resources including air ambulance, Medic 1, Engine 1 and Cal Fire Engine 3382.

Patient stabilization prior to air transport

Twisted metal was removed from around the patient piece-by-piece and she was freed from the wreckage 18 minutes later. The requested airship, Mercy Air 6, arrived on-scene simultaneously to take over care of the passenger who suffered major trauma and was airlifted to Sharp Memorial hospital in critical condition. The driver, reported to be the passenger's daughter, was freed from the wreckage within minutes. She also sustained traumatic injuries and was ground transported to Sharp Memorial by Lakeside Medic 1. Luckily the occupants of the sideswiped vehicle on the freeway escaped injury.

Additional pictures can bee seen at EASTCOUNTYNEWS.NET

Submitted by: Captain Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire District
Photos by: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Vehicle Accident With Trapped Victim

Crews from R3, M3 and E26s work to free the trapped driver.

On May 17th at 1811 hours R3,M3, B1 ,3382, and E26s responded to a vehicle into a tree in the 9500 block of Blossom Valley Road. Upon arrival , we found a
single occupant/driver entrapped in the vehicle that was surrounded by
poison oak. The patient had severe injuries, and due an extended
extrication (37 minutes), Mercy Air 6 was requested (3382 landed MA6).

Mercy Air 6 and crew await patient extrication.

 The vehicle initially appeared as though it was nearly encapsulated in
poison oak, assuring that all eleven LKS personnel would need
decontamination .

At 1854 patient was extricated, and loaded into MA6 for transport to Sharp Memorial.

Extensive work was required to free the driver from the wreckage.

A comprehensive decontamination operation to remove poison oak "oils"
followed of all personnel , all turnouts and protective clothing , as
well as all extrication equipment used . All scene personnel were kept
"incident assigned" until decontamination was complete . This incident
is a great reminder of why we provide our personnel with a "back-up"
set of turnouts, as all incident worn turnouts required
decontamination followed by machine washing.

With decontamination, the incident lasted 3 hours.

Text and Photos Submitted By: Brent Larkin, Battalion Chief Lakedside FD

Training at the Blossom Gliderport

Blossom Valley: High in the hills above El Monte Valley lies one of the most popular spots in Southern California for para-glider and hang glider pilots to test their skills in the upslope winds that funnel up from the canyon below. This area has been a mecca for these enthusiasts since the early 80's, and its popularity grows each year. On a clear summer evening it's not uncommon to see multiple gliders in the area.

The view of the El Monte Valley from the Blossom Gliderport.

But with any sport that has a degree of risk accidents do happen. Over the years the Lakeside Fire District has been called to assist injured pilots along the range of hills where they circle. Unfortunately the area is extremely rugged and in many spots it requires the use of ropes and hardware to retrieve the injured.

Fire Engineer Rich Smith reviews using hardware on technical rope systems while Firefighter-Paramedic Jamie Hazlewood works on a lowering system.

Recently the crew from Rescue 3 and Medic 3 (Lake Jennings Station) traveled to the area to practice setting up rope systems and evaluating the different slope areas where potential incidents occur. The most important aspect of these rescues is getting a paramedic to the injured party so decisions can be made based on their injuries. As most of these injuries require evaluation at a "Trauma Center" we work to maintain the "Golden Hour" treatment guidelines that suggest from the time of injury till arrival at a trauma center should not exceed an hour. But with any rescue that occurs in these areas, time is not always on our side. Given the vast area in the Eastern El Monte Valley, simply locating the downed pilot can be time consuming.

Crews review the proper "lashing" technique for removing patients. Lashing is the method we use to secure a patient into the stokes basket.

Lakeside Firefighter-Paramedic Jose Corona and Josh Raczka being lowered into the canyon on a 500' rope. They will start treatment on the patient once they access their location and radio up information that will determine how they will be extricated from the canyon.

Once the injuries are evaluated specific choices can be made on how best to remove the victim. Those choices can include a simple "hike out", all the way up to a hoist removal by helicopter.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Vehicle Fire in Blossom Valley

Blossom Valley: On Wednesday, March 3rd at 2:23 AM, the Lakeside Fire District sent three engine companies, one ALS ambulance, and a Battalion Chief to a reported "unknown type fire" in the area of Flinn Springs Rd and Blossom Valley Rd. On the arrival of Battalion 1 a vehicle, fully engulfed in flames, was located at the Rios Canyon Little League Field. Engine Company 3 (Johnstown Station), along with an engine from CalFire arrived and extinguished the stubborn fire.

Due to the suspicious nature of the fire SDSO is currently investigating the incident.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Lakeside Firefighter Nathan Fox knocking down a stubborn vehicle fire at the
Rios Little League Field

 Photo By: Bernie Molloy