Fire Department

The Madison Fire Department’s Lake Rescue Team was deployed to Lake Wingra Sunday night after a passerby heard a man calling for help when he fell through the ice.

Engine 4 and Medic 4 were first on scene and made verbal contact with the man. Firefighters and paramedics made multiple attempts to throw rescue devices to the man but were unable to reach him.

In the meantime, Lake Rescue 1 arrived with three team members suited up for water rescue. They grabbed their rescue sled and rushed to the man, who was hanging onto the surface of the ice.

One Lake Rescue member went into the water to help hold the victim up as the other team members loaded him onto the sled. Engine 4 and the Lake Rescue Team pulled the man to shore, where he was handed off to paramedics for treatment. Medic 4 transported him to the hospital.

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The Madison Fire Department recently warned of melting ice on area lakes as warm temperatures, along with clear skies and sunshine, create unstable conditions. The public is asked to stay off the ice as the warming trend continues.