Vegetation Fire in Rios Canyon Brings Multi-Agency Response

Rios Canyon-

On Monday, November 10, 2014, at 2:03 p.m., the Heartland Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting a vegetation fire burning in the canyon in the 14300 block of Rios Canyon Road. The Central Zone sent one brush pumper, two structural pumpers, a water tender, ALS medic unit, and a chief officer to the incident. Simultaneously, CalFire started a response that included engines, hand crews, and aircraft.

Lakeside Fire crews take action to stop the spread towards dwellings.

On the arrival of Lakeside Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station), firefighters located a fire burning in light flashy fuels, intermixed with downed tree limbs. The fire was making an uphill run towards an adjoining mobile home park. Engine 3's crew initiated a hose evolution that would cut-off the spread towards occupied dwellings. Additional engines from CalFire and Alpine Fire Protection District took up positions to contain the fire to an area a little over an acre.

Lakeside, CalFire, and Alpine crews mop-up hot spots.

A CalFire hand crew cut a containment line around the fire perimeter.

Both the fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft were cancelled as crews made good progress on the fire.

No structural damage was reported. CalFire is currently investigating the cause of the fire.

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

Vehicle Fire Spreads to Vegetation on Hwy 67

Lakeside:

Firefighters in Lakeside were called out on Monday August 18, 2014 to reports of a fully involved vehicle fire on Highway 67 near Scripps Poway Parkway.  The dispatch location falls near the border of three fire districts, so units from Lakeside, Cal Fire, and Poway Fire were dispatched.

Cal Fire Engine 3388 arrived just before Lakeside Engine 2 and reported a fully involved vehicle fire that was spreading into the vegetation.  Crews from the Cal Fire Engine and Lakeside Engine 2 split their efforts, using one hose line out to address the vehicle fire and one hose line to address the vegetation fire.  The fire in the vegetation was quickly stopped and held to under 1/4 of an acre.  The vehicle fire was also extinguished, but the car was a complete loss.

The incident, which occurred during the evening commute, caused quite a bit of traffic on HWY 67.  CHP assisted the Fire crews on scene by making what is usually a four line highway into a 2 lane highway.  This assistance gave firefighters enough space to address the two fires safely.

View 2014 Incident Map in a larger map

  Story and Photos by Captain Bernie Molloy

Early Morning Fire brings Immediate Structure Threat

El Monte Valley-

On Thursday, May 1, 2014, at 6:51 a.m. the Heartland Communications Center received multiple calls about an explosion and brush fire in the area of El Monte Road and Lake Jennings Park Rd. At the time of the call, the Lakeside area was experiencing the third day of significant Santa Ana wind conditions. An augmented initial response was dispatched that sent two brush engines, three structural engines, a water tender, an ALS medic unit, and two chief officers. Simultaneously, CalFire sent multiple companies to the fire.

Lakeside Fire crews start laying hose on the flank of the fire.

Crews knocking down hotspots in advance of the hose lay.

Responding units could soon see a large loom up of smoke in the area. Soon a wave of 911 emergency calls were received reporting that the structures on Laurel Canyon Road and Vista Laurel Place were being threatened by the fire. An "initial attack" strike team (5 engines and a chief officer) was requested to provide structural defense.

Arriving crews found a well established wind-driven fire that was pushing toward residential structures. Firefighters took up positions on the flank of the fire and on structures in the fire's path. Due to the fierce winds, a number of embers were blown into the housing tract starting a number of small spot fires. Crews assigned to structural defense quickly knocked down those spot fires. There was some minor infrastructure damage to fences in the area; however, there was no direct damage to the exposed structures.

Baptism by Fire: The new Engine 3 takes up a position with Brush 1 on the El Monte Valley side of the fire. 

Crews were able to contain the fire at 4 acres. The Lakeside Fire District was in unified command with CalFire. Assistance was provided to Lakeside from CalFire, Santee Fire, and Alpine Fire.

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

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Fire Crews Tackle Vegetation Fire in the San Diego River Bottom

Lakeside, CA-

On Monday, April 21, 2014, at 8:16 p.m. the Heartland Communications Center received multiple 911 calls about a vegetation fire burning in the San Diego River Bottom just east of the Highway 67 bridge. While units were still responding additional emergency calls indicated the fire was in the heavy fuel producing 20 foot flames. In addition to Lakeside Fire units, CalFire initiated a response to assist with the fire.

Fire crews working an attack line back to the fire area.

Fire burning in the heavy fuels of the San Diego River.

With the arrival of Engine 2 and Medic 2 (River Park Station), firefighters could see a fire burning in a remote location. Crews evaluated a number of locations to initiate the fire attack but eventually decided to advance an attack line from an area near the Highway 67 bridge. The effort required a hose lay that exceeded 1000 feet, but crews were able to knock down the fire and cut a fire line around the area.

Due to the heavy fuel, firefighters had extensive mop-up.

Currently the fire is under investigation. Crews from Lakeside and CalFire responded to the incident.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

 

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Lakeside Assists Alpine on a Two Alarm Structure Fire

Alpine, CA -

On Friday, February 7, 2014, at 10:59 p.m., the Heartland Communications Center received a call from a resident stating that a fire had started in their Alpine home. A first alarm structure response was sent to the home in the 3100 block of Via Viejas, on the eastern edge of Alpine. The initial alarm sent four structural engines, a truck company, one ALS medic unit, and two chief officers.

Heavy fire conditions were encountered by arriving companies.

On the arrival of Engine 17 (Alpine Fire District) firefighters reported a home with heavy smoke and fire conditions from the roof of the structure. With the arrival of additional companies, an interior attack was initiated while crews went to the roof to open up additional ventilation holes. Firefighters operating on the roof encountered heavy fire and smoke conditions.

The crew from Lakeside Engine 3, and Viejas Medic 25, work the roof.

As the running attic fire extended, a call for a second alarm was made which brought an additional five engines, two additional chief officers, and a rescue with light and air capabilities.

Crews continued to work on both the interior and roof in an attempt to cut off the fire. Finally at 12:56 a.m., the call was made that the fire was under control. Left in its wake was an extensive job of salvage and overhaul. Most units were committed into the predawn hours.

Crews on the roof continue to work to get a knockdown on the fire.

Assisting Alpine Fire were crews from Lakeside Fire District, Viejas Fire Department, Heartland Fire & Rescue, CalFire, San Miguel Fire District, Barona Fire Department, and the Santee Fire Department.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Story and Photos By: Firefighter-Paramedic Bing Tom, Lakeside Fire District

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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

 

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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

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.

"Valley" and "Dunbar" Incidents

Shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2013, firefighters from multiple agencies were dispatched to reports of a vegetation fire along eastbound Interstate 8 just east of Greenfield Drive.  Initial reports stated the fire was about 1 acre in size  with a slow rate of spread.  Minutes later the fire grew rapidly as the wind picked up and pushed it up the hill toward homes on Lotus Ln.  Firefighters quickly responded to the area to defend homes.  Along with the air support from the firefighting helicopters and the quick deployment of fire crews into the area, no homes were lost and no one was hurt.  Firefighters worked well into the night to contain the fire and several fire crews remained on scene overnight to monitor the area.  The fire was estimated to be about 30 acres and the cause is still under investigation.

At the same time the Valley fire was being dispatched, another fire was reported along the right shoulder of eastbound Interstate 8 just before Dunbar Ln.  Multiple agencies were dispatched to this location at the same time as the Valley fire.  Both incidents shared the air resources and had quick action from ground crews to stop the forward progress and contain the fires without injuries or homes being lost.  The size of the Dunbar incident is unknown and is also under investigation.

Units from the Lakeside Fire Protection District on these incidents were Engine 2, Engine 3, Engine 26, Brush 1, Water Tender 7251, and Chiefs 4101, 4103, and 4105.

Other agencies were Cal Fire, El Cajon, Santee, U.S. Forest Service, Alpine, and Barona Fire.

Story and Photos By: Engineer Matt Buzzell

Lakeside Assists Cal Fire in Alpine

Alpine-

On Saturday, September 14th, 2013 at 3:49 pm, the Lakeside Fire District was dispatched to the 1100 blk of Alpine Blvd to assist Cal Fire with a vegetation fire. Other Central Zone agencies assigned to the fire were Alpine Fire District, Viejas Fire Department, and Heartland Fire & Rescue. Cal Fire had initiated a high wildland response with multiple engines, and air resources, assigned to the fire.

Lakeside Firefighter Bing Tom pulls a line on the western flank of the fire.

Reports indicated a fire burning between Alpine Blvd and the eastbound lanes of Interstate 8. Additional callers indicated that the fire may have spread to the center divider.

Crew from Brush 17 push a hose lay towards the freeway.

Firefighting efforts resulted in a short closure of Interstate 8.

With the arrival of Brush 17 (Alpine Fire) they located a quarter acre fire burning from Alpine Blvd to the interstate above. With the arrival of two engines from Lakeside (Engine 26 and Engine 3) they were assigned to the interstate side of the fire and started hose lays on the flanks of the fire. Brush 25 (Viejas Fire) and Cal Fire units arrived shortly and the fire was quickly contained.

Cal Fire is investigating the fire. A total of two brush engines, three structural engines, and two duty chiefs responded from the Central Zone.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

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Vegetation Fire Threatens Structures in Lakeside

Glenview-

On Tuesday, August 20, 2013, at 2:14 p.m., the Heartland Communications Center began to receive emergency calls about a vegetation fire in the 12900 blk of Highway 8 Business. Initially dispatched were two brush engines, three structural engines, an ALS medic unit, and two duty chiefs.

Fire starting to make the uphill run from Highway 8 Business.

As firefighters were en-route, additional calls were received stating the fire was quickly growing in size. Responding units could see a building column of smoke so a request was made for additional engines and the helicopter out of Gillespie Field.

With the arrival of the first Lakeside duty chief (Tockstein) about a quarter acre had been consumed and the fire was making a hard push to the east. It soon became evident that this fire was likely to get much larger, and eventually threaten structures. A request was made for an immediate need brush strike team, and a strike team of structural engines.

In addition a request was made for the water tender out of Sycuan and the Lakeside Logistic Volunteers (4140).

The fire continued on an easterly path making a run towards Interstate 8 and the homes off of Amelia Drive. The decision was made to evacuate structures on Amelia Drive, so San Diego County Sheriff Deputies went door-to-door notifying the residents of the approaching fire.

Structural engines were sent to threatened structures on Amelia Drive and Cindy Lynn Lane. The fire bumped a number of structures but pre-positioned companies were able to quick knock down the flames. Some out-buildings received damage but no residential structures were lost. Much of the credit goes to the property owners, and CalTrans, who created defensible space between their homes and the fuels. Had the fuel been allowed to grow unchecked it's likely there would have been significant structural losses.

Fire heading towards structures on Amelia Drive.

Firefighters were also sent to Interstate 8. There was some concern that the fire could spot over the freeway and get established on the south side of the freeway.  Lakeside entered into Unified Command with CalFire (Howell) due to the threat to the State Responsibility Land.

With the arrival of San Diego County Copter 10 and 12, a number of precision drops slowed the forward progress towards the homes. Ground crews were able to eventually surround the fire and at 3:56 p.m. the fire was declared "contained." A CalFire bulldozer and hand crews cut line around the fire.

Two firefighters were transported to local hospitals with heat related injuries. The fire has held to 18 acres.

Note the defensible space.

Lakeside Fire was assisted by: CalFire, Heartland Fire-Rescue, Sycuan Fire, and Santee Fire. This is another example how automatic and mutual aid works to protect all citizens in San Diego County.

Submitted By: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District
Photos By: Fire Chief Andy Parr, Lakeside Fire District
Video By: Bill Prorok

 

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Quick Multi-Agency Response Stops Fast Moving Brush Fire

Lakeside, CA -

A coordinated, multi-agency response from the ground and air held a fast-moving brush fire to 10 acres in Lakeside on Saturday, August 17, 2013. Heartland Communications received multiple calls for a fire in the vegetation just east of Greenfield Drive on the south side of Interstate 8 at 11:17 a.m. With a large column of smoke visible from a distance, Heartland Fire-Rescue Battalion 3 (Drum) requested additional resources including aircraft while enroute the fire.

Firefighters were deployed to hoselays on the north and south flanks of the fire and additional engines were committed to the Valley View Truck Trail behind the Vons/Walmart shopping center to stop the forward progress of the blaze as it crested the ridgeline. CalFire air tankers made several retardant drops to help slow the progress of the fire and allow ground forces to get a line around it. San Diego County Copters 10 and 12 made water drops to help ground crews extinguish the flames. Additional engines were assigned to defend structures in the area of Lotus Lane.

This incident involved resources from many agencies working together seamlessly within unified Incident Command. The following agencies participated in helping stop this dangerous fire: Lakeside Fire, CalFire, Heartland Fire-Rescue, Santee Fire, Barona Fire, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Fire.

Fire crests the ridge behind WalMart.

Firefighters on Division "D" mopping-up.

CalFire handcrew punches-in handline on Division "A."

CalFire Dozer 3342 ties his dozer line into Valley View Truck trail.

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire
Photos by: Engineer Robert Williams, Firefighter Paramedic Kyle Zauss, Lakeside Fire

Fast Response Keeps Fire out of Lakeside

Poway, CA -

On Thursday, August 1, 2013, firefighters from Lakeside Fire Station 2 and Station 1 were dispatched to reports of a vegetation fire on Highway 67 near Iron Mountain Dr.  Lakeside units arrived on scene simultaneously with resources from Poway and CAL FIRE and found a fire that was under an acre and burning up the hillside.  The fire was located in Poway, but only a few hundred yards from the Lakeside Fire Protection District.

A view of the fire from Highway 67

Lakeside Engine 2 began a progressive hose lay up the side of the southern flank of this fire with crews from CAL FIRE 3398.  The vegetation was burning at a slow rate of spread as it climbed the hill so crews were able to catch the head of the fire before it grew much larger.

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

From this map you can see the Poway border (darker brown) and the unincorporated area of Lakeside (lighter brown).  Incidents like this show why the mutual aid system we work under is so beneficial.  This fire was suppressed before it burned into Lakeside; however, had resources not arrived on scene as quickly as they did, this fire could have had a much different outcome.  Resources responding to this fire included units from Poway Fire Department, CAL FIRE, Lakeside Fire Protection District, and Santee Fire Department.

A view back down towards Highway 67

The fire was on the west side of Highway 67, which was beneficial to firefighters because there were no structures on this side of the road that were immediately threatened.  As you can see from the photos, had the fire been on the other side of the highway there may have been homes that could have been impacted by the fire.  The fire was held to under an acre and no structures were lost.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Crews "mop up" the fire to make sure there are no hotspots left.

 Lakeside Engineer Vasquez using 3 engines to keep enough water going to the hoselay

Story by: Captain Bernie Molloy
Photos by: Chief Andy Parr and Captain Bernie Molloy

Lakeside Units Assist with Vegetation Fire in Ramona

Ramona:

On July 13, 2013 Lakeside Fire units were called to assist Cal Fire and U.S.F.S units with a vegetation fire just off of Main St. in Ramona.  Lakeside E2 and WT 7251, both from Lakeside Station 2, went to assist with the suppression efforts.

The body of the main fire from Hwy 67 looking south.

The fire had started along Hwy 67 and moved quickly, spotting ahead of the main body of the fire and causing an additional fire.  The second fire was accessed off of Dye Rd.

A panoramic view of the second fire.  This was the smaller of the two fires.

E2 and WT7251 were assigned to Division B, off of Dye Rd, and assisted with mop up activities for several hours.  The water tender was utilized to wet down the burn area, making quicker work of the mop up.  It is rare that we have topography such as this that allows us to use this function of our apparatus.  As the water tender drove by the crews mopping up with hose lines it was met with applause.

 Water Tender 7251 uses it's bumper nozzles to make quick work of overhauling the fire.

The quick work of Cal Fire and USFS resources, with the aid of Aircraft, were able to quickly extinguish the fire, holding the two fires to a total of 64 acres.  The fire burned through populated areas but no structures were lost, a testament to the effective suppression efforts of the crews on scene.  Cal Fire is investigating the cause of the fire.

Photos and Story by Captain Bernie Molloy

Lakeside Firefighters Assist with Vegetation Fire

El Monte Valley -

A fast-moving vegetation fire drew a multi-agency response to Lakeside on Tuesday, July 2, 2013. Firefighters from Lakeside, Santee, CalFire, and U.S. Forest Service were alerted just after 1:00 p.m. for the fire in steep, rugged terrain just northwest of the El Capitan Reservoir dam.

Because of the difficult access, ground resources assigned to the fire were limited to Type III (wildland) engines, water tenders, and hand crews. Firefighters were assigned to put in two hoselays that extended several thousand feet up the side of El Cajon Mountain. Both hoselays were supported by handcrews including several Interagency Hotshot Crews.

A CalFire S2T makes a steep decent to make a drop on the western perimeter of the fire.

In addition to the ground forces assigned to this incident, several air tankers and helicopters made both fire retardant and water drops to keep the fire in check until ground crews could put in fire line.

The fire was managed utilizing unified command due to the multijurisdictional response. The lead agency was the U.S. Forest Service as the fire was within the boundaries of the Cleveland National Forest.

Lakeside units assigned to this incident included: Chief 4101 (Parr), Division 4105 (Tockstein), Brush 1, Water Tender 7251.

Fire viewed from Blossom Valley. Note the very rugged terrain.

The "Peutz Fire" followed the same basic footprint as the "El Monte Fire" back in 2010

Post by: Captain Scott Culkin, Lakeside Fire District
Photo by: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Wildcat Canyon Brush Fire Halted by Multi-Agency Response

Lakeside, CA -

On Friday June 28, 2013, at aproximately 1:45 p.m., Heartland Dispatch Center began receiving calls reporting a vegetation fire near Wildcat Canyon Road and Muth Valley Road.  Firefighters from Lakeside, Barona, Santee, and Cal Fire were dispatched to the area.


View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

Lakeside Division Chief 4103 (Laff) was first on scene and reported a vegetation fire on Muth Valley Road that was approximately 1/2 acre in size with a moderate rate of spread.  Barona Brush 27 was the first fire apparatus on scene and began a hose lay on the right flank of the fire.  Lakeside E3 arrived just behind Brush 27 and began a hose lay on the left flank of the fire.  Lakeside Brush 1, Santee Medic 4 and several engines from Cal Fire arrived to supplement the hose lays.

Cal Fire Crews Mark the Point of Origin

Crews Move down along the edge of the fire

The fire was held at just under a half of an acre due to the quick response and the fast actions of the firefighters.  This vegetation fire is another great example off how the mutual aid system in East County San Diego ensures the citizens always get the closest suppression units no matter where they live or what agency serves them.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Burn was held to approximately 1/2 of an acre

Story By: Captain Bernie Molloy
Photos By:  Engineer Lance Buford