Ice Rescue

To support these operations, we have equipped two of our engines—Engine 25 and Engine 23—with dedicated ice rescue gear, including thermal protective ice rescue suits, rescue boards, and retrieval ropes. This allows our responders to act swiftly and effectively, minimizing risk to both the victim and our personnel.

The Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District is committed to the safety of our community year-round. Our ice rescue capabilities are just one example of how we proactively prepare for seasonal hazards, ensuring that help is always ready when our residents and visitors need it most.

During the cold winter months here at Lake Tahoe, ponds, small lakes, and streams can become extremely hazardous when iced over. Recognizing the increased risk these conditions pose to the public, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District has risen to the challenge by investing in specialized equipment and providing comprehensive training for our personnel in ice rescue techniques.

The ice rescue program began with two of our team members attending advanced ice rescue training in Colorado. Upon their return, they shared the knowledge and skills they gained with the rest of the department, laying the foundation for a fully trained team capable of responding to ice-related emergencies.

Today, the entire department is trained in the basic operations of ice rescue, ensuring that in the event of an emergency, personnel and equipment can be quickly and safely deployed to perform a rescue. Our crews are prepared to respond to incidents involving individuals who may have fallen through the ice or become stranded on frozen bodies of water.