Commercial Fire in Lakeside Brings a 2nd Alarm

Flinn Springs-

On Monday, February 10th, 2014 at 9:27 a.m. the Heartland Communications Center started receiving multiple 911 calls about a large fire in the 15200 block of Olde Highway 80, in the Flinn Springs area. Initially dispatched were four structural engines, a truck company, an ALS medic unit, and two chief officers. Responding engines companies could instantly see a large plume of black smoke rising in an area between Olde Highway 80 and the Interstate.

Lakeside Fire Captain Chuck Palmore assessing the fire scene prior to placing hose streams.

Fire crews from Lakeside and Alpine get water flowing on the fire with multiple handlines.

Fire crews coordinate their effort with a heavy equipment operator.

On the arrival of Engine 26 (Blossom Valley) they reported a large pile of dismantled vehicles spreading to other areas of the yard. As more engine companies arrived multiple hose lines were put into action to knock the heat out of the fire. With the assistance of a heavy equipment operator the pile was broken down and spread out over an area where crews could get to hot spots.

One of the major hazards was fire crews working in close proximity to the heavy equipment.

Truck 4 (Santee Fire Department) and Engine 8 (Heartland Fire & Rescue) set up an aerial master stream (600+ gallons of water) on the south side of the fire to limit spread in that direction. Fire managers were concerned that fire spread in that direction could create a hazard at a nearby propane distribution site. A second alarm was requested which sent another three structural engines, a truck company, and two additional chief officers to the fire. Because of concerns about potential contamination the hazardous material team from the San Diego Fire Department, and San Diego County Department of Environmental Health, responded to evaluate those concerns.

The Lakeside Logistics Volunteer Group responded and setup a rehab location for firefighters. The group also transported fire equipment between the scene and the stations.

At 10:51 a.m. it was determined that the fire had been brought under control. Many units were able to return to their coverage areas, while other engines remained on-scene well into the afternoon hours checking for hot spots.

A total of 15 Lakeside personnel responded to the incident, assisted by the Alpine Fire District, Heartland Fire & Rescue, Santee Fire Department, San Diego Fire Department, and the San Diego County Hazardous Materials unit. The Logistics Volunteer Group responded to the scene to establish a rehab location.

Story and Photos By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District
Additional Photos By: Firefighter-Paramedic David Csik, Lakeside Fire Protection District 

 

View 2014 Incident Map in a larger map

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

Lakeside Firefighters Respond to Sewage Spill

On Friday, March 12th at 5:20 PM, the Lakeside Fire District sent one engine company to the 8200 block of Winter Gardens Blvd for a "Hazmat Investigation." On the arrival of Engine Company 1 (Riverview Station) they found 200-300 gallons of raw sewage that had seeped into a parking-lot from a business on Winter Gardens Blvd.

On investigation they determined that a plumber had been working on a plugged line at the time of the leak.

County Storm Water officials were notified to clean up the mess and send the person responsible a bill for the clean up.

Information Provided By:
Interim Fire Chief Andy Parr
Firefighter-Paramedic Jon Jordan