Cary Fire Protection District firefighters, paramedics and divers responded at 4:38 Tuesday afternoon, January 13, 2026 to reports of people calling for help in Lake Killarney. A teenage individual and an adult fell through the ice while attempting to go ice fishing approximately 50 to 75 feet from shore. Nunda Rural Fire Protection District firefighters and paramedics were also assigned to the scene.
Two off-duty firefighters who were in the area arrived shortly after dispatch and initiated rescue efforts. Fire crews arrived moments later and completed a coordinated ice rescue, removing both initially-reported patients from the water within approximately eight minutes.
A neighboring resident also fell through the ice while attempting to assist and was able to return to shore under his own power. The teenage patient, the adult patient, and the neighboring resident were all evaluated by paramedics and were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries. The off-duty firefighter who entered the water was evaluated at the scene and did not require transport.
Cary Fire Protection District reminded the public that ice conditions can change rapidly and are often unsafe, even when they appear solid. Residents are reminded that ice thickness can vary significantly across a body of water, making frozen lakes and ponds unpredictable and dangerous.
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