Rescuers Assist Fishermen Who Fell Through Ice

The Middleton Fire Department and the City of Madison Lake Rescue Team responded this morning to assist two ice fishermen whose ATV broke through the ice on Lake Mendota. Middleton Fire, Madison Engine 9 and the Lake Rescue Team were called at 7:51 a.m. to the area of Marshall Park. Middleton firefighters, wearing dry rescue suits, made their way onto the ice to assess the victims' conditions. One fisherman was helped out of the icy water. Both victims were brought to shore where Middleton paramedics were waiting. The patients were evaluated for injuries, but no transports were made. Once the rescue was completed, the Lake Rescue team assisted Middleton firefighters with pulling the ATV out of the ice. Fishermen and rescuers at the scene today report that the recent warm weather is making the ice on the lakes very unpredictable. They noted numerous areas of soft ice in the area of the rescue efforts. Ice safety information can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources web site at this link: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/icefishing/IcefishSafety.html