With temperatures in the Tri-Cities below freezing, the Kennewick Fire Department has been conducting ice rescue training to prepare for potential emergencies. While firefighters practice on bodies of water, the department urges residents to stay off the ice.
“Our crews are out here practicing high-risk maneuvers because seconds count when it comes to freezing water,” Kennewick Fire Chief Michael Heffner said. “The ice we are seeing right now is extremely unpredictable. It may look solid from the shore, but it is often less than an inch thick—nowhere near enough to support a person or even a small pet.”
The department issued several safety reminders, including the warning that no ice is safe ice. They urge outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the winter scenery from the shore and to keep a close watch on children and pets.
KNDO-TV NBC 23 Yakima
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