Danbury Firefighters Prepare To Make Icy Rescues

DANBURY, CT — The best way to avoid needing to be rescued on Danbury's lakes and ponds this winter is to stay off thin ice.

But should disaster befall you, know that the Danbury Fire Department is ready, willing, and able to save your life.

Recently, the DFD spent time training on a local frozen body of water to prepare for such a problem.

"The recent cold snap set up some ice on our lakes and ponds. Sundays' sunny weather allowed our on-duty crew to practice ice rescue techniques," wrote the DFD on Sunday, Jan. 4.

The training was held on Lake Kenosia, where some open water was being maintained by various waterfowl, according to the DFD.

In actuality, the fire department said the presence of active water birds are a clue that the ice may not be safe.

"In this case, the surrounding ice was a few inches thick, but the swimming actions of the Swans, geese, and bufflehead ducks kept some water open," wrote the fire department.

Thankfully for residents, the Danbury Fire Department is trained and equipped to perform various types of water and ice rescues.

Still, the DFD has this simple piece of advice:

"Please use caution if you are venturing on the ice," wrote the DFD. "Know the thickness of the ice, and wear ice cleats to help with traction and avoiding falls."