Dog rescued from icy water by Idaho Falls Fire Department

One firefighter fell into the icy Snake River just south of Idaho Falls, while rescuing a dog Friday afternoon.

Idaho Falls Fire Department responded to Gem Lake Marina for a report of a dog that had fallen through the ice and was struggling to get out.

The dog owner called in the report at 4:40 p.m. and directed the crews to her location at the marina. Firefighter/Paramedic Dan Muhlestein donned his water rescue equipment. While tethered to the other emergency crews on the bank, he crawled approximately 20 yards on the ice to reach the dog.

While attempting to pull the dog out of the water, the ice gave way under the firefighter and both ended up in the water. Muhlestein was able to lift the dog onto the ice and then pull himself back out as well. The dog then made its way back to the shore to its awaiting owner.

There were no injuries.