Fire crews in Birmingham executed a dramatic water rescue on Tuesday to save a dog that had fallen through the ice on a frozen lake.
Dramatic midday rescue operation
The incident occurred at Manor Farm Park in Northfield shortly before midday on Tuesday, 6 January 2026. A five-year-old husky named Mika ventured onto the ice covering the park's lake but fell through into the freezing water below.
Showing commendable sense, the dog's elderly owner resisted the instinct to go after the pet and instead immediately dialled 999 to request the fire service. This crucial decision is credited with preventing a potential double tragedy.
West Midlands Fire Service mobilised a significant response, sending three fire engines and a 4x4 brigade response vehicle. Crews attended from Northfield, Bournbrook, and Sutton Coldfield fire stations.
Specialist team brings husky to safety
Two firefighters from Bournbrook fire station's Green Watch, equipped with specialist water rescue clothing, used a sledge to safely reach and retrieve Mika from the icy lake. The operation was successful, and both the husky and its owner were confirmed to be uninjured. All fire crews had left the scene by 12.55pm.
In a Facebook post following the rescue, West Midlands Fire Service praised the owner's actions. "'Mika' the five-year-old Husky couldn't resist the temptation of a frozen lake in Northfield," they stated. "Fortunately, the dog's elderly owner heeded our advice of the past 24 hours and didn't attempt to enter the water."
Stark warnings amid freezing conditions
The rescue coincided with reports of children playing on ice at Blackroot Pool in Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield, prompting fresh concerns from emergency services. The fire service explicitly linked these incidents to the enduring trauma of the Babbs Mill Lake tragedy in Solihull, where four boys died after falling through ice just over three years ago.
Emily Fernandez, Head of Prevention at West Midlands Fire Service, gave an emotional reminder: "The loss of four young boys at the frozen Babbs Mill Lake three years ago is still a very real and raw memory for our communities. Our thoughts remain with their families and friends."
The service issued urgent, clear advice to the public:
- Never follow your dog onto ice. Call 999 and ask for the fire service.
- Keep dogs on leads near frozen lakes, ponds, and rivers during cold spells.
- Educate children that no ice is ever safe to walk or play on.
- If you see someone in trouble, do not attempt a rescue yourself. Shout for help and call 999 immediately.
The fire service also reiterated vital "Float to Live" advice for anyone who finds themselves in icy water: stay calm, spread your arms across the ice, and try to kick your legs to propel yourself to shore. If the ice breaks, move towards the bank, breaking ice in front of you.
This incident serves as a critical reminder of the severe and often hidden dangers posed by frozen waterways during winter weather periods.
