Minneapolis

Chanhassen Fire Department Readies for Ice Rescue Drills on Lake Susan in January

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Published on January 14, 2025
Chanhassen Fire Department Readies for Ice Rescue Drills on Lake Susan in JanuarySource: Facebook/City of Chanhassen, Minnesota Government

The Chanhassen Fire Department has announced on its Facebook page that it will be conducting a series of ice rescue training sessions. They've selected the frigid Thursdays of January—13, 20, and 27—by the boat launch as the stage for these critical rehearsals.

In preparation for the potential hazards of Minnesota's winter, these exercises will see firefighters braving the carved open water. After having holes cut into the ice, they'll enact scenarios to hone their skills should an actual emergency arise. Standing amidst the surrounding snow on the lake's edge, the training is essential for ensuring the safety of those who venture onto the ice. Residents should expect to see signs and caution tape marking the areas of open water following these sessions.

These drills underscore the commitment of the Chanhassen Fire Department to battling the capricious and often deceptive dangers of ice. In their social media post, the department emphasized the importance of these drills for maintaining readiness. The caution tape will serve as a visual reminder of the invisible perils that could lurk beneath a seemingly steadfast surface of ice until nature takes its course, allowing it to re-freeze.