It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic The Whitaker House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Lakeside, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Martesha has always been in a good mood and pleasant while providing her services to”
“I have been with Always Best Care for about 2 years, caring for my 86”
“I am very proud to Belong to Always Best Care Senior Services ❤️ Because”
“Great company. The staff is amazing and helpful. I was a caregiver for my husband”
“My name is Gabriela, I have been with Always Best Care for seven years and”
“I been working with always best care for a year now, let me just say”
“My experience with the clients with them have been great.Plus they have a very flexible”
“Hi, my name is Janett .. Working at Always Best Care has been the best experience”
“I'm a caregiver with Always Best Care. I've work for the agency since early April”
“My name is Haley Maddox and I’ve been with Always Best Care for a few”
“So grateful to be apart of this wonderful community of people, it is such a”
“Have really enjoyed working for Always Best Care !”
“Chelsea from the day she manager has been sweet and wonderful, making sure my schedule”
“This is Gloria Brown and Ive been with always best care for some years. Its”
“Always Best Care has been and continues to be a great working environment. The flexibility”
“Aida Gomez is truly an Angel in disguise She is patient with me & attend to”
“For me it is a honor to be part of this company called ALWAYS BEST”
“I have a great experience, flexible hours, great place to work.”
“This is a great place to work, great environment there is very nice staff a”
“Always best care provides an excellent service as a caregiver. They care about the staff”
“Ophelia Carter is the best thing that ever happened to Bobby Wigley. She has a”
“Hello ???????? there this is Leonardo Martínez I’m one of the formal Care givers associates”
“I am getting the best quality of care”
“Always Best Care Senior Services meets each of their client's needs regardless of the intensity”
“From the start everyone (I've interacted with) has been awesome. You can tell they really”
“Martesha has always been in a good mood and pleasant while providing her services to me. She goes beyond what has been asked to do both physically and mentally. Her attitude is always positive and encouraging me in my recovery. She is an excellent companion and helpful to me. She is morally fit and encouraging I can’t thank you enough. ABC thank you for providing services”
“I have been with Always Best Care for about 2 years, caring for my 86 year old father. Although I am his main caregiver, I still need help. My dad has 2 caregivers assigned to him which allows me to still keep my job. Dawn, his daily caregiver, goes that extra mile. Treating my dad as if it was her father. And Martesha, a newer caregiver for my dad, knew just what to do. And with a little background about my father, she didn't need much prompting ABC is so thoughtful and really shows their employees and client's how much they are appreciated.”
“I am very proud to Belong to Always Best Care Senior Services ❤️ Because is a Company which really care about of their clients and their team workers”
“Great company. The staff is amazing and helpful. I was a caregiver for my husband and they help with training and were always pampering me with gift cards, birthday cards, Raffles. It felt just like a hug in this road”
“My name is Gabriela, I have been with Always Best Care for seven years and I have to say, it's really a great company to work for. The owners and manager are very professional, attentive, kind and flexible. As a caregiver is important that my client's needs are met and that we are a good match, and ABC does this perfectly. It's been a rewarding experience, taking care of my clients and Always Best Care has a huge heart towards people in need of care. Thank you ABC”
“I been working with always best care for a year now, let me just say how wonderful it has been to work for such an amazing company that not only cares for their clients but also their employees. If you are looking for a job as a caregiver I would highly recommend always best care!”
“My experience with the clients with them have been great.Plus they have a very flexible hours.”
“Hi, my name is Janett .. Working at Always Best Care has been the best experience of my life, from the day I went to apply for the job as a caregiver I felt very humbled. Im happy working at ABC and I hope to continue working for many years.. "❤️"”
“I'm a caregiver with Always Best Care. I've work for the agency since early April 2023. My experience has been fun, challenging at times but very rewarding. My clients are very nice. It is a great place to work. Management and administration are very communicative and attentive. They always address any concerns I have whether it is schedule issue, a client issue, or a special request. I love working for ABC. I highly recommend our company for any prospective or experienced caregivers. ????”
“My name is Haley Maddox and I’ve been with Always Best Care for a few months now and I would just like to say I absolutely LOVE and appreciate the company because they are always willing to work with you and your schedule to fit your personal life as well. Not only that but they make sure you know it’s ok to report any and every kind of complications at work and they always encourage you to ask questions and I like that a lot because not many jobs give you that comfortable feeling that YOU matter too. Thank you to ALWAYS BEST CARE for taking great care of not just their clients but their employees as well!❤️”
“So grateful to be apart of this wonderful community of people, it is such a great company! My clients treat me as I am their family and I truly take great pride in being able to care for them.”
“Have really enjoyed working for Always Best Care !”
“Chelsea from the day she manager has been sweet and wonderful, making sure my schedule which is very complicated was met. She is a blessing to me”
“This is Gloria Brown and Ive been with always best care for some years. Its always been a great company to work for, but it even got better when Chelsea became the manager. With my super busy schedule she's alway been able to accommodate me, witch is not easy. It has been a blessing having her in my life. I've never worked for a company that shows appreciation and rewards us often. It feels wonderful to be appreciated. Thank you.”
“Always Best Care has been and continues to be a great working environment. The flexibility in my schedule has made it one of the most beneficial advantages working here. I have had the pleasure to have such great clients that have been very compatible both ways. Overall working at Always Best Care is and continues to be a great, flexible, compatible, understanding environment. Thank you Always Best Care”
“Aida Gomez is truly an Angel in disguise She is patient with me & attend to all my needs as a caregiver.. Her appearance & personality is awesome!!????. Am very pleased with Aida. I love her flexibility.”
“For me it is a honor to be part of this company called ALWAYS BEST CARE . From the first moment they always treated me with great respect , always worried about what I need . For me , my clients are part of my family, they are people who needs heard,respected and loved♥️I feel very blessed to be their caregiver ????.. Thank you very much for allowing me to be part of your beautiful company ????”
“I have a great experience, flexible hours, great place to work.”
“This is a great place to work, great environment there is very nice staff a job you can call home and care about are clients.”
“Always best care provides an excellent service as a caregiver. They care about the staff and the patient needs. The Leadership team are very compassion because they have a good level of communication and it also wants to do the right things.”
“Ophelia Carter is the best thing that ever happened to Bobby Wigley. She has a lot of patience and she is so good for him. She manages to do everything in a timely manner for him. She's amazing. I don't know how much money she makes but she deserves more. Thank you”
“Hello ???????? there this is Leonardo Martínez I’m one of the formal Care givers associates for Always best Care I would like to thanks not only always best care in general for the amazing management but specially to my manager the best and most caring manager I have ever had ever, specially when it comes to work and making things work for everyone, awesome communication stills and training, always showing the best guidance for work,making me learn something new I can apply for work, honestly couldn’t be more great full and satisfied for chelsy Boscarino being by manages. God bless sincerely.”
“I am getting the best quality of care”
“Always Best Care Senior Services meets each of their client's needs regardless of the intensity of the illness. Health and safety are #1 with this agency without question as to the complexity or time frame. They are committed for the duration. Customer service is not a lost cause. The staff will go beyond its means to comply to request.”
“From the start everyone (I've interacted with) has been awesome. You can tell they really care and so do their jobs well. From Chelsea in admin to Steven the phone nurse and especially Martesha Dad's caregiver. They make taking care of my father so much easier than it would be if I were on my own. I appreciate all of you and all you do. Thank you.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lindo Lake County Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Barona Oaks Steakhouse or visit Lakeside Historical Society, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Lakeside, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Lakeside, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Lakeside, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
June 17, 2025 Updated 9:39 PM PTA wildfire that erupted Tuesday afternoon in the San Diego County community of Lakeside was threatening structures, prompting mandatory evacuations.The fire, in the eastern part of the county, had charred 340 acres by 7 p.m., according to fire officials. There was 10% containment.Officials issued evacuation orders in a rural area of the unincorporated community — in the El Monte Valley, near the base of El Capitan Mountain. The area includes horse ranches and lies just south of the r...
June 17, 2025 Updated 9:39 PM PT
A wildfire that erupted Tuesday afternoon in the San Diego County community of Lakeside was threatening structures, prompting mandatory evacuations.
The fire, in the eastern part of the county, had charred 340 acres by 7 p.m., according to fire officials. There was 10% containment.
Officials issued evacuation orders in a rural area of the unincorporated community — in the El Monte Valley, near the base of El Capitan Mountain. The area includes horse ranches and lies just south of the riverbed of the San Diego River.
The Monte fire was reported to have started just north of El Monte County Park.
Images broadcast on KNSD-TV before sunset showed flames leaping toward a ridgetop as billowing gray smoke rose from the valley floor. Firefighting helicopters were unleashing water drops.
As the firefight progressed, and amid repeated drops of water and fire retardant from aircraft, the pace of the fire’s growth slowed, KNSD-TV reported.
The fire is just west of El Capitan Reservoir, one of the largest in the city of San Diego’s reservoir system. It was burning about nine miles northeast of El Cajon and 22 miles northeast of downtown San Diego.
The National Weather Service office in San Diego warned of elevated fire weather risk Tuesday caused by gusty winds and local humidity in the mountains of San Diego, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, as well as the high deserts.
A smoke advisory was issued, with officials warning of smoke blowing to the east, toward Alpine.
“Winds will weaken overnight but continue to blow towards the east. Smoke may fall close to the ground in some communities near Lakeside, Alpine and Descanso,” the county Air Pollution Control District said. “By early Wednesday morning, winds may shift and could blow the smoke to the north, towards San Diego County Estates and Ramona.”
A temporary evacuation point was established at the Walmart Supercenter at 13487 Camino Canada in El Cajon, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office said.
Large animals can be evacuated to the Dianne Jacob Lakeside Equestrian Park at 11055 Moreno Ave. in Lakeside.
“Take your pets with you,” officials with the county’s animal services agency urged on social media. “All pets need to be contained if possible. Have your identifying information on them, with a collar or on the carrier, in case they become separated from you.”
Several people and their animals were evacuated Tuesday afternoon after a wildfire erupted in rugged terrain south of El Cajon Mountain in Lakeside.The blaze was reported about 3 p.m. off El Monte Road near Yucca Road, west of El Monte County Park, according to Alert San Diego. It quickly prompted evacuations.Cal Fire said the fire was spreading at a moderate rate. At 6:40 p.m., the agency said it had charred 340 acres, and crews had it about 10% conta...
Several people and their animals were evacuated Tuesday afternoon after a wildfire erupted in rugged terrain south of El Cajon Mountain in Lakeside.
The blaze was reported about 3 p.m. off El Monte Road near Yucca Road, west of El Monte County Park, according to Alert San Diego. It quickly prompted evacuations.
Cal Fire said the fire was spreading at a moderate rate. At 6:40 p.m., the agency said it had charred 340 acres, and crews had it about 10% contained.
The fire had the potential to grow to 1,000 acres, according to Cal Fire Capt. Robert Johnson.
“One of the challenges on this one is going to be the steep terrain,” he said.
At least 100 people were assigned to work on the fire, and the attack included multiple planes and helicopters.
The weather is hot — about 90 degrees, he said — but the wind is calm.
Meteorologist Paul Steward from the National Weather Service said light sea breezes were bringing higher humidity to the area Tuesday afternoon. “Hopefully it will bring some relief, so it won’t be as dry,” he said.
Overnight temperatures could fall to about 59 degrees, he said, but Wednesday’s high could be more than 90 degrees.
Evacuations have been ordered for an area roughly north of El Monte Road, east of Hazy Meadow Lane, northwest of the reservoir and south of Roosevelt Lane and Wildcat Canyon Road, according to online fire mapping.
Evacuation warnings were issued for areas to the east and north, including the northern reach of El Capitan Reservoir.
About 85 residents are under either an evacuation order or warning. A temporary evacuation center was set up at Walmart on 13487 Camino Canada in El Cajon.
Small pets could be evacuated to the South Shelter, 5821 Sweetwater Road in Bonita.
Large animals could be evacuated to the Dianne Jacob Lakeside Equestrian Park, 11055 Moreno Avenue in Lakeside.
San Diego County Air Pollution Control District issued a smoke advisory for El Monte Valley and surrounding areas.
LAKESIDE, CA — Crews worked for a second day to contain a wildfire that has blackened hundreds of acres, injured three firefighters, threatened homes and forced evacuations in eastern San Diego County.The blaze, called the Monte Fire, sparked shortly before 3 p.m. Tuesday in the 15000 block of El Monte Road, just east of El Monte County Park in Lakeside, according to Cal Fire. As of 2:16 p.m. Wednesday, the fire had burned 868 acres and was 20% contained."The fire activity has reduced and is now moving at a slow rate...
LAKESIDE, CA — Crews worked for a second day to contain a wildfire that has blackened hundreds of acres, injured three firefighters, threatened homes and forced evacuations in eastern San Diego County.
The blaze, called the Monte Fire, sparked shortly before 3 p.m. Tuesday in the 15000 block of El Monte Road, just east of El Monte County Park in Lakeside, according to Cal Fire. As of 2:16 p.m. Wednesday, the fire had burned 868 acres and was 20% contained.
"The fire activity has reduced and is now moving at a slow rate of spread," Cal Fire said in a Wednesday afternoon update. "Fire crews are working in steep and rocky terrain. Areas of the fire are inaccessible by ground and some firefighters will be flown in by helicopters to continue to build on containment lines. Priorities today include searching for and extinguishing any hot spots near structures and continuing to build containment lines."
The fire sparked amid high temperatures in parts of the region. A heat advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday for the county's mountains and valleys, according to the National Weather Service.
As the flames spread Tuesday to the east over rugged terrain below El Cajon Mountain, authorities cleared residents out of rural neighborhoods north of El Monte Road, east of Hazy Meadow Lane, south of Featherstone Canyon Road and northwest of El Capitan Reservoir.
The fire threatened homes but caused no reported structural damage, according to Cal Fire. Three firefighters, however, suffered minor injuries while battling the blaze, Cal Fire Capt. Robert Johnson said.
Crews fought the flames on the ground and aboard air tankers and water-dropping helicopters. A total of 180 firefighting personnel were assigned to the blaze Wednesday afternoon, including 20 engines, seven crews, three helicopters and two water tenders, according to Cal Fire.
"Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the state are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow," Cal Fire said.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Office issued evacuation orders and warnings for surrounding areas.
Evacuation orders were issued for the following zones: SDC-1467, SDC-1515, SDC-1516 and SDC-1551. Evacuation warnings were issued for the following zones: SDC-1470, SDC-1517, SDC-1469 and SDC-1468. View an interactive map here.
All evacuation orders and warnings remained in effect as of Wednesday morning.
A temporary shelter was in operation at Walmart Supercenter at 13487 Camino Canada in El Cajon.
The San Diego Humane Society's Emergency Response Team was deployed to support the county with livestock evacuations in the Lakeside area.
Small pets were accepted at the county's South Shelter at 5821 Sweetwater Road in Bonita. Large animals were evacuated to Dianne Jacob Lakeside Equestrian Park at 11055 Moreno Ave. in Lakeside.
Lake Jennings Park Road at El Monte Road and Willow Road at Omas Road were reopened to all drivers, according to the California Highway Patrol.
El Monte Road at Omas Road was open to residents only, while Yucca Road at El Monte Road was open to emergency personnel only, according to the CHP.
The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District issued a smoke advisory for East County, including the eastern portion of Lakeside and the northeast portion of El Cajon and Alpine.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
City News Service contributed to this report.
Editor’s note: This is a developing story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.Ground and air crews continue to battle a wildfire that sparked Tuesday near El Monte Park in Lakeside. Evacuation orders were issued for a rural area north of Blossom Valley, according to Cal Fire.The evacuation orders cover areas north of El Monte Road, south of Willow Road, east of Mountain Valley Place, El Monte Road, Hazy Meadow Lane, and west of El Monte Road. ...
Editor’s note: This is a developing story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.
Ground and air crews continue to battle a wildfire that sparked Tuesday near El Monte Park in Lakeside. Evacuation orders were issued for a rural area north of Blossom Valley, according to Cal Fire.
The evacuation orders cover areas north of El Monte Road, south of Willow Road, east of Mountain Valley Place, El Monte Road, Hazy Meadow Lane, and west of El Monte Road. See an evacuation map here.
A temporary evacuation point is set up at the Walmart on Camino Canada,13487 Camino Canada, El Cajon.
For those under evacuation orders with pets or livestock, the San Diego County Animal Services is assisting with animal evacuations from the Monte Fire. "If your home is in harm’s way, please evacuate your livestock to the Dianne Jacob Equestrian Center, 1055 Moreno Ave. in Lakeside," the agency said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I saw the fire started. I was working from home, and somebody was driving by and they started honking. And I looked outside, and I saw the flames," Drake said. "So I called 911, immediately got out and started trying to get a hose and realized that it wasn't going to happen. So I started evacuating my horses down to the other side of my property.”
The fire started around 2:40 p.m., Tuesday, and Lakeside Fire Protection District and San Diego County Fire responded.
As of Thursday, June 19, the blaze, dubbed the Monte Fire, had charred an estimated 1,048 acres and was 25% contained, Cal Fire reported. There was no reported structural damage, according to the state agency.
“Any time you have steeper slopes, a fire is going to tend to move faster upslope — uphill than it will on level ground,” Cal Fire Capt. Robert Johnson said. “That is going to pose its own set of challenges for firefighters. The fire is going to be topography, slope-driven. It's gonna be faster up that slope than it would if the fire was on level ground.”
Over 400 personnel have been assigned to the fire, according to Cal Fire. Johnson said three firefighters were injured. The status of their injuries is unknown.
“Of that hundred firefighters, that includes firefighters from the air in our aerial assets, including the fixed wing air tanker, as well as the rotor wing helicopters, water dropping helicopters, as well as including ground resources — fire engines, water tenders, bulldozers and hand crews,” he said.
The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District issued a smoke advisory for East San Diego County on Wednesday.
The agency advised the blaze could lead to unhealthy atmospheric conditions in communities surrounding the wildfire, including Alpine, Blossom Valley, Ramona, San Diego Country Estates and around Barona Casino.
"If you are near the affected communities and smell smoke it is advised that you limit physical/outdoor activity. If possible, stay indoors to limit your exposure to fine particulate matter and ozone, especially those residents with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children," the advisory states.
Always have sturdy shoes and a flashlight near your bed, ready for sudden night evacuations.
If time allows, consider adding:
The fire was reported around 2:40 p.m. on Tuesday near El Monte Rd in Lakeside in East San Diego County and quickly led to evacuations for nearby residents.SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Firefighters continued to battle a brush fire in Lakeside, in East San Diego County near El Monte Road east of Lake Jennings Parkway on Wednesday. The fire started on Tuesday and is sending large plumes of smoke into the air that can be seen miles away.The fire has burned approximately 400 acres and is 20% contained as of 6:24 a.m. We...
The fire was reported around 2:40 p.m. on Tuesday near El Monte Rd in Lakeside in East San Diego County and quickly led to evacuations for nearby residents.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Firefighters continued to battle a brush fire in Lakeside, in East San Diego County near El Monte Road east of Lake Jennings Parkway on Wednesday. The fire started on Tuesday and is sending large plumes of smoke into the air that can be seen miles away.
The fire has burned approximately 400 acres and is 20% contained as of 6:24 a.m. Wednesday. The fire activity has reduced and is now moving at a slow rate of spread, according to CAL FIRE.
CAL FIRE, Lakeside Fire Protection District, and San Diego County Fire crews are all on the scene using both air and ground crews. CAL FIRE told CBS 8 that 2 firefighters have reported minor injuries.
Get the most up-to-date information from the CAL FIRE Monte Fire incident page>>
Evacuation Orders and Warnings have been issued for residents near the fire: See all evacuation orders and Genasys map >>
The Temporary Evacuation Point is the Walmart Supercenter at 13487 Camino Canada, El Cajon
Credit: Genasys Evacuation Map
In Lakeside, the threat of wildfire is never far from mind, especially for those who’ve lived through it. Amanda Stevenson, manager of Mountain View Ranch off El Monte Road, said preparation is key.
“This ranch actually did burn in the Cedar Fire. So we have a game plan, because it has happened,” she said.
When she saw smoke from Tuesday's fire, she didn’t waste time gathering trucks and trailers.
“We have 22 horses here, so we need to make sure we get everyone out safe, and two pigs, so we need to get everyone out safely,” Stevenson said.
Fortunately, the flames moved away from the property, but Stevenson was ready to act.
“We do have sprinklers on our arena, thankfully," She said. "So if anything, we will throw horses in the arena until we get enough trucks and trailers.”
CalFire has built a list of things to have ready in case you and your family are evacuated during any wildfire or disaster.
Ensure your wildfire ‘Go Bag’ includes:
Always have sturdy shoes and a flashlight near your bed, ready for sudden night evacuations.
If time allows, consider adding:
WATCH RELATED: How to know when it's time to go during a wildfire:
Santa Ana Winds occur when air from the desert region blows westward toward the California coast. This results in dry air that flows east to west over the mountains and towards the valleys and coast of Southern California. Santa Ana winds typically feel warm because as the cool desert air moves down the side of the mountain, it is compressed, which causes the temperature of the air to rise. We tend to see relative humidity plummet and temperatures soar during offshore wind events like this.
These winds create high fire conditions not only for a fire to start but offshore, Santa Ana winds are the perfect fan needed to allow a fire to explode in size once it starts.
The water year restarts every year on October 1 and measures the rain totals for the season through the following September. When rain totals are below average, the vegetation that once was green turns brown and dry and can serve as fuel for wildfires. The saturated ground can help mitigate fire risk substantially, but the opposite tends to elevate our fire risk. The sooner and more frequently we see substantial rainfall, the lower our risk of a wildfire starting and spreading rapidly.
CalFire Captain Robert Johnson said last year's dry winter and hot summer puts San Diego County at a higher fire risk.
"With not seeing that significant amount of rainfall, it does not allow the brush throughout the county to absorb that moisture, so we are starting behind the curve due to the low precipitation throughout the rainy season," Johnson said.
When a region is in critical fire danger, power companies tend to shut off power in pre-planned ways in order to prevent electrical equipment from sparking or starting fires. It is also because electric consumption tends to climb with warmer temperatures (usually thanks to A/C needs) and can lead to overall stress on the power grid. When you combine the risk of fire with planned power shut-offs, many school districts will close. Schools can also be used as monitoring sites for fire crews in the event of a fire starting.
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