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

View 2014 Incident Map in a larger map

Runaway Vehicle Sends One to Trauma Center

Glenview-

On Friday, January 17, 2014, at 6:11 p.m., the Heartland Communications Center received a 911 call reference a vehicle that had rolled down a hill with a victim lying in the street. A structural first alarm was sent to the incident in the 13300 blk of Los Coches Road East. The response included three structural engines, a truck company, an ALS medic unit, and a chief officer.

Lakeside and Santee firefighters prepare the patient for transport to Sharp Memorial.

On the arrival of Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Station), firefighters discovered a large pick-up truck that had impacted a structure. Some distance from the vehicle, a victim was located with significant traumatic injuries. The crew initiated treatment and secured the vehicle. The victim stated that the car had rolled away from him while in the process of doing some maintenance. The vehicle had dragged the victim a significant distance before he was thrown free.

With the arrival of Medic 5 (Santee Fire Department) ,the victim was loaded for transport to the trauma center at Sharp Memorial Hospital. The incident is being investigated by CHP.

A total of four Lakeside personnel responded to this incident. Assistance was provided by Santee Fire Department, Heartland Fire & Rescue, and the San Miguel Fire District.

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

View 2014 Incident Map in a larger map

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

 

View 2013 Incident Map in a larger map

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

"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

Motorcyclist Suffers Major Traumatic Injuries in Crash with a Bus

Pepper Drive Area-

On Sunday, August 19, 2012, at 3:52 p.m., the Lakeside Fire Protection District received calls about a motorcyclist that had collided with a bus in the area of North 2nd Street and Pepper Drive. Callers indicated that the victim might be trapped under the bus so a full "vehicle rescue" response was sent. This included a structural engine, a rescue company, an ALS medic unit, and a duty chief.

Firefighters from Lakeside and San Miguel work to stabilize the patient.

The driver on the motorcycle evidently lost control of the bike and slid under the front of a MTS bus that was stopped at a bus stop. First arriving units found the patient trapped under the front of the bus with airway compromise. The bus had lowered onto the patient crushing him.Firefighters re-inflated the air-bag suspension system on the bus allowing crews to remove the victim.

Flight crew members assist in preparing the victim for a flight to the trauma center.

The patient suffered from multiple life-threatening traumatic injuries. Due to the severity of the injuries the decision was made to fly the patient to Sharp Memorial Trauma via a Mercy Air medical helicopter.

Agencies that assisted included San Miguel, Santee, and Heartland Fire-Rescue. CHP is currently investigating the accident.

Story By: Firefighter-Paramedic Steve Russo, Lakeside Fire Protection District

Brush Fire Burns along Interstate 8

Glenview-

On Thursday, July 12, 2012, at 5:02 p.m., the Lakeside Fire District received multiple calls about a fire on the westbound side of Interstate 8 just east of the Los Coches Rd off-ramp. Callers reported that the fire was burning towards structures on Calle de Buena Fe. Initially dispatched were two brush type engines, two structural engines, an incident commander (Tockstein), and an ALS medic unit. Once the reports of "structures threatened" was received, an additional two structural engines were dispatched, two additional brush engines, and an additional staff officer.

View Incident Map 2012 in a larger map 

Arriving units found a fire burning on the north side of the interstate on the easement. About a half-acre of grass and medium brush had been consumed. Engines were sent to the interstate to attack the fire, while additional engines were sent to Calle de Buena Fe to perform structural protection.

Crews were able to stop the forward progress of the fire. There were no reports of structural damage. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Lakeside received assistance from CalFire, Alpine Fire, Santee Fire, Viejas Fire, and the San Miguel Fire District.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire Protection District San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.com

Lakeside Firefighters Assist on San Miguel Structure Fire

Greenfield Area-

On Wednesday, June 6, 2012, at 4:55 a.m., firefighters from the Lakeside Fire District were dispatched to a structure fire in the 1800 block of Greenfield Dr (in the San Miguel Fire District). Engine 3 (Lake Jennings Station) and Brush 1 (Riverview Station) were sent as part of a first alarm assignment.

On the arrival of Engine 8 (Heartland Fire-Rescue, Madison Station) ,they reported smoke showing from a detached garage. Units from San Miguel and Lakeside assisted with fire attack and ventilation. The fire was quickly knocked down and isolated to the garage.

The crew from Truck 6 (HFR) removes the garage door to facilitate ventilation.

The fire is currently being investigated by the San Miguel Fire District. Greenfield Drive was shut down for a period of time, but was quick reopened.

Automatic Aid in Heartland

Commonly the initial crews to arrive on a fire scene come from a variety of agencies throughout the Heartland area. This unique auto aide agreement assures that the closest fire companies are sent regardless of agency. This agreement was originally founded in the 1970's by the Heartland Chiefs. For the period this was considered a very progressive agreement.

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

Early Morning Fire Damages Garage

Lakeside, CA-

At 4:34 a.m., on the morning of May 4, 2012,  Lakeside firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire with multiple reports of smoke and fire in a multifamily residential complex on Summersun Lane . Responding from the Riverview fire station (fs1) just one block away, Engine 1 firefighters arrived just minutes later to face heavy fire coming from a garage unit with flames threatening the living space above it. San Diego Sheriff Deputies were on scene evacuating residents. Engine 1 initiated fire attack and was soon supported by personnel from Engine 2 and Medic 2 from the Riverpark fire station (fs2). San Miguel Engine 19 from their Bostonia fire station arrived next and was assigned to protect and check for fire extension in the adjoining living areas. Santee Engine 4 and Truck 4 from Cottonwood fire station 4 were right behind and they were put to work supporting the operation.

Lakeside Division Chief 4103 (Laff) took over Incident Command(IC) from Engine 1. El Cajon Battalion 3 (Snow) arrived to assume the role of Safety Officer. The fire was brought under control by the quick action of all fire personnel on scene. All fire units were on scene in less than ten minutes from the time of the initial dispatch. Fire damage was confined to the garage with minor smoke and water damage to the adjoining garage. Fire did not extend to any of the attached living areas.

The garage was a total loss.

Support Unit 4140 was requested by the IC to provide logistical support to the incident. Unit 4140, staffed by members of the newly established Lakeside Logistics Volunteer Group (LVG) arrived with cold water, coffee, and food for the firefighters, scene personnel, and the temporarily displaced residents.

Lakeside LVGs assist with incident support.

Members of the Sheriff Bomb/Arson unit were on scene to determine the origin. The cause of the fire is under investigation. SDG&E also responded personnel to secure the damaged gas and electric utilities. This incident is another example of the excellent cooperative efforts of multiple agencies to provide public safety to the citizens of Lakeside. Thank you to all who assisted.

Submitted by: Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire Captain
Photos by: Dennis Canfield, Lakeside LVG Member

Multi-Agency Response Holds Vegetation Fire to Half Acre

Glenview-

On Thursday, October 13th, 2011 at 7:50am, the Heartland Communications Center started to receive multiple calls about a vegetation fire in the area of Highway 8 Business and Aurora Drive. The initial response included engines from Lakeside, El Cajon, and CalFire.

Firefighters from Lakeside and CalFire stop forward fire spread on Division Zulu.

On the arrival of Battalion 1 (Laff) a "large spot" of heavy vegetation was burning up slope through an open field that lies between the interstate and Highway 8 Business. Additional brush engines and aerial support was requested. This sent additional equipment from Lakeside, San Miguel Fire Districts, and Copter 10 and 12.

Initially progress was slow due to steep terrain, but crews later used ladders to access the fire area. Although weather conditions were ideal for a fire, the lack of winds kept the fire spread to a minimum. Eventually crews were able to stop forward progress at a half acre. Crews were then tasked with cutting a fire control line around the perimeter.

Witnesses were able to identify a suspect in connection with the fire. Sheriff deputies arrested the suspect near the scene.

Dispatched Lakeside units: E3 (Lake Jennings), BR26 (Blossom Valley), B1, BR2 (Eucalyptus Hills), 4103, El Cajon units: E8 (Madison Ave), CalFire units: 3382 (Flinn Springs), San Miguel units: BR23 (Dehesa Rd).

Submitted By: Fire Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District

What are Divisions?

Divisions are geographical segments of a vegetation fire. Breaking the fire down into these smaller segments makes managing the fire more effective as the Incident Commander only needs to communicate with a limited number of managers. As the fire grows in size additional Divisions can be assigned.

Typically when an initial commander pulls up to the fire the left flank is known as Alpha, while the right flank is called Zulu.... 

Lakeside Firefighters respond to House Fire

Winter Gardens -  On Tuesday August 16, 2011 Lakeside Fire crews were dispatched along with crews from San Miguel, El Cajon, and Santee to the report of a structure fire on Vista Del Cajon in the Winter Gardens area.  The initial dispatch reported that there was heavy black smoke coming from under the residence.  When San Miguel Engine 19 arrived on scene their report on conditions confirmed there was smoke rolling out from under the building.  Lakeside Engine 1 and Medic 1, from the Riverview station, were next on scene and laid a 4 supply line up to E19, who was actively engaging the fire.

Crew Stretch a hoseline into the structure

El Cajon Engine 8 was close behind E1 and moved up to assist E19 with fire attack.  Soon after the arrival of the first three units came Lakeside Battalion 1, El Cajon Engine 9, Santee Truck 4 and Cal Fire unit 3352.  Crews on scene had to remove all of the skirting around the residence to attack the fire that was burning under the structure.

A San Miguel, Lakeside, and El Cajon Engine are lined up

After several minutes of removing siding and spraying water on the flames the fire was suppressed.  The fire was held to the underside of the structure and kept from extending into the residence.  Nobody was injured in the fire and the cause is under investigation.

The damage from the fire was primarily under the residence

Story and Photos by Engineer / Paramedic Bernie Molloy.

Lakeside Firefighters Assist with Vehicle Extrication In Crest

Crest:  Just after 6:30 p.m. on March 27, 2011, Lakeside Fire Battalion 1 and Rescue 3 (Lake Jennings Fire Station) were dispatched to assist the Battalion 6,  E18, E19 and M17 with a rollover vehicle accident at the intersection of La Cresta Blvd near the top of the grade in Crest.

The underside of the Ferrari

While enroute, R3 learned that this was a rollover vehicle accident involving a Ferrari and extrication would be needed to remove the patients from the car.  On scene, it was discovered that the vehicle was on its roof with two occupants trapped inside.

Extrication was initiated in conjunction with medical treatment of the patients.  In an extrication with a vehicle on its roof, there are additional steps which must be taken to ensure patient safety.  The vehicle must first be stabilized so it does not come down on the patients as the roof is removed.  As you can see from the photos, there are several tools used to complete this process.  In this instance, crews used lifting bags, crib stacks (the stacked 4x4's in the picture), and stabilizing struts to elevate the vehicle enough to gain access to the patients.

This example is precisely why Lakeside Fire Protection District has a dedicated Rescue unit that is essentially a mobile tool box with equipment available to tackle even the toughest extrications.

The patients were extricated from the vehicle and transported to an area hospital. CHP is investigating the accident.

Photos and Story Submitted By:  Firefighter / Paramedic Danny Leetch

El Monte Fire Spreads Towards Cleveland National Forest

El Monte Valley: On Saturday, August 21st, 2010 at 12:58 p.m., the Lakeside Fire District received multiple calls reporting a vegetation fire in the 16400 block of El Monte Rd. Two brush engines, three structural engines, an ALS ambulance, and a battalion chief were dispatched to the incident. In addition, both CalFire and USFS sent full wildland responses including air assets from Ramona and Gillispie Field.

The fire scene from one of the first due engine companies.

First arriving units discovered a well establish fire on the north side of El Monte Rd at the base of El Cajon Mountain. The fire was making hard runs up the hillside with spot fires out in front of the fire. In addition, the fire was threatening structures along El Monte Rd, and at the base of the El Capitan Reservoir.

Crews were deployed to protect the threatened structures while crews on the brush engines took action on the fire. Soon after these operations began, the Incident Commander (Tockstein) was advised of eight people trapped by the fire in an area between El Cajon Mountain and El Capitan Reservoir. A request was made to have the SDSO Copter fly into the area and evacuate the residents. Copter 10 removed 8 occupants and some domestic animals from the area.

The communications center then received a cell phone call from climbers on the cliff face stating that the fire had surrounded them and their egress had been cut off. The SDSO copter flew into the area and soon located two climbers in extreme terrain. Both hikers were hoisted into the helicopter and removed from the area. In total, the SDSO copters removed 10 people from the fire area.

Lakeside firefighters evaluate the approaching "head" of the fire.

The fire continued to advance in a northwesterly direction into rugged terrain. The fire eventually burned into an area at the base of El Capitan Reservoir which has multiple sheds and storage areas. Crews protected the majority of the structures but the fire did advance into an area containing PVC and ABS pipes. Brush 18 (San Miguel Fire) was requested to utilize a specialized foam system to suppress the plastics fire.

The fire hits the base of the El Capitan Dam. Lakeside crews hurry into defensive positions to protect the structures.

By evening, the forward progress of the fire had been stopped by ground crews and aerial resources. The "uneasy" control line held into the evening, allowing crews time to work the fire overnight. At last report, the fire had consumed just over 1000 acres. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries.

Lakeside and San Miguel firefighters work to extinguish a fire burning in PVC and ABS pipes.

During the incident, boaters were evacuated to the marina to allow aircraft to use the lake as a water source. El Monte County Park is currently being used as the base camp for the duration of the fire. El Monte Road was closed during the incident and continues to be subject to closure.

Fire map as of Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

Submitted: Captain Mark Grow, Lakeside Fire District.

Multiple Agencies Assist With A Spring Valley Brush Fire

View Lakeside Incidents and Story Map in a larger map

Dictionary Hill- Lakeside Brush 26 along with units from Santee, El Cajon, La Mesa, Viejas, Barona, CalFire and Lemon Grove responded to assisted the San Miguel Fire Protection District with a vegetation fire which burned a hillside skirting apartment complexes and single family homes. The fire was reported just after 3:00pm today and spread quickly in dry brush on the steep terrain. Quick response by local resources held the blaze in check with help from water drops by San Diego City and County fire helicopters. Homes were initially threatened and evacuations were called for but ultimately no structures were damaged.
 

After the flames were doused, crews worked in the rocky soil to cut a control line around the nine acre fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation but San Miguel fire officials are calling it suspicious in nature.

Submitted by: Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire Captain

Lakeside Firefighters Assist at Spring Valley Brush Fire

Fire crews work the steep hillside above Spring Valley and the Sweetwater Reservoir

 
Dictionary Hill: As the weather in our county continues to increase in heat, so does the frequency and intensity of brush fires. This was the case today in the San Miguel Fire Protection District in Spring Valley. A fire broke out just after 11:00am and spread rapidly in dry grass and vegetation on the steep hillside racing towards the homes above (map). Thanks to the quick response by San Miguel units and automatic aid from Bonita, Santee, Lakeside and San Diego Copters 10 and 12 the blaze was brought under control before structures were lost.

Lakeside Firefighter Todd Welch and Engineer Steve Thompson "Mop Up" the hot spots.

The tall grass crop that has grown with help from above normal rain fall this winter is becoming dryer by the day and was a contributing factor in the rapid flame spread on this incident. Some of the homes threatened by today's fire had dry grass and vegetation dangerously close, luckily they were spared this time around. Please remember to provide your home with a "Defensible Space" in order to increase the odds of surviving a fire like this one. Learn more about defensible space HERE.

Homes within 50' of the blaze with NO defensible space.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.


Submitted by: Chuck Palmore, Lakeside Fire Captain