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Rhode Island Firefighters Rescue Labrador From Icy Westerly Pond on New Year’s Day

Officials reiterated a warning about dangerous pond ice.

Overview

  • Phoenix, a yellow Labrador, fell through thin ice around 9 a.m. on Little Maschaug Pond in Westerly during a walk with his owner.
  • Volunteer firefighters from Misquamicut and Watch Hill arrived within minutes, donned ice-rescue suits, and reached the dog as crews staged an inflatable boat.
  • Video released by the Misquamicut Fire Department shows rescuers carrying Phoenix back to shore after breaking through the ice to reach him.
  • The dog was reported doing well with no injuries, and firefighters were evaluated for hypothermia but did not require treatment.
  • The departments called it their first call of 2026, noted temperatures near 26°F with a wind chill around 14°F, and stressed that no ice should be considered safe.