Emergency officials say there have been more reports of people walking on the icy surfaces of lakes, ponds, and rivers since temperatures have dropped below freezing. The Walla Walla County District 5 Fire Department was joined by the Pasco Fire Department and the Columbia Basin Dive Rescue team for to practice dive rescue training in a frozen pond.
The frozen lakes, rivers, and ponds are popular ice-fishing spots, but fire officials say the holes left behind could be potential safety hazards. Though the ice may appear to be solid, Fire Chief Mike Wickstrom explains that the currents below the surface can cause temperatures to change, and ice to melt.
If a person does fall into the ice, officials say remaining calm is the best way to stay alive.