Kamloops Fire Rescue warns of danger of unstable river ice

With the recent cold snap freezing parts of the Thompson Rivers, Kamloops Fire Rescue is warning residents about the dangers of river ice.

With overnight lows around the -20 Celsius mark, ice forms very quickly but the temperatures haven’t been low enough for long enough for the ice shelves to solidify.

Kamloops Fire Rescue says in a media release the ice is highly unstable due in part to the strong river currents.

Pets and wildlife are also at risk of falling through the ice.

"If your pet gets into trouble on the ice, please do not attempt to rescue your pet yourself. Ice rescues are hazardous operations, even for KFR members that are trained and equipped. If a pet or wildlife gets into trouble on the ice, please call 9-1-1, and stay on the shore," Kamloops Fire Rescue life safety educator Lyle Weninger says in the release.

"If a pet or wildlife gets into trouble on the ice, please call 9-1-1, and stay on the shore. Often, a pet will be able to get themselves out of trouble while their owner ends up falling through the weak ice."

Keeping yourself, and your pets, off the ice is the best plan.

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