Brookfield, MA — January 16th — In an effort to prepare for winter, the Brookfield Fire Department held ice rescue training at South Pond on January 16. Firefighters practiced cold-water and ice rescue skills on frozen ponds and lakes for several hours.

Responder safety, victim contact, ice rescue equipment use, and coordinated shoreline operations were the main topics of training. In order to lower danger during low-temperature situations, crews also examined teamwork and communication.

Ice rescue training adheres to established fire service and water rescue guidelines that emphasize planning and methodical operations. Every winter, fire departments in Massachusetts regularly finish this training to stay prepared for seasonal threats.

The public is reminded by officials that ice conditions can change rapidly and that the safest course of action in any ice-related emergency is to call 911.