“Hey, We Energies, can you take down a power line so we can make sure we’re ready to save people who fall through the ice?”
“Yeah, sure, no problem.”
That may not be exactly how the conversation between the Kansasville Fire & Rescue Department and the electric/natural gas utility went, but it’s close enough.
Ice rescue calls are considered among the riskiest first responders are called upon to respond to. They’re more likely this time of year, when ice fishers seeking pike and bass may set up their shanties on ice that is too thin. Such incidents become more likely as spring draws near and the ice slowly, invisibly melts.
Firefighter/EMT Ryan Hoover described ice rescues as “low frequency, high risk” situations.