A firefighter uses surface recovery equipment in training conducted by the Jamestown Fire Department on Monday, November 14, 2022. Photo: Jamestown Fire Department

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – It’s the last place a firefighter wants to find themselves, but the Jamestown Fire Department wants to be prepared when it comes to ice rescue and recovery.

The Jamestown Fire Department recently conducted surface ice rescue training on Monday, Nov. 14.

Lt. Sheldon Mohr leads the dive rescue team and training. He says they refresh on ice rescue as things start to freeze up.

While the recent training focused on surface rescue, Lt. Mohr says in the event that someone falls through the ice, they have the right equipment if they’re called to a rescue.

In all, Mohr says safety should be a top priority for anyone who may be using the ice this winter for any activity.

The North Dakota Game & Fish Department says the general rule of thumb for ice includes:

-2 inches – STAY OFF
-4 inches of good ice for walking
-6 inches of good ice for a snowmobile or ATV
-8-12 inches of good ice for a car or small pickup
-12-15 inches of good ice for a medium pickup truck.

“Knowing how to judge ice conditions will also help you make more informed decisions while enjoying your outing,” the department states. “Look for clear blue ice. New ice is stronger than old ice. Remember you take a risk anytime you go onto the ice. Ice thickness is not consistent. Beware of ice around partially submerged objects such as trees, brush, embankments or structures. Ice will not form as quickly where water is shallow or where objects may absorb sunlight.”