Fire crews unable to save dog in Liberty Lake

A dog died in the icy waters of Liberty Lake this week despite the best efforts of bystanders and Spokane Valley Fire Department crews.

Firefighters were called to the area of 1700 S. Liberty Drive on Monday on a report of a dog that had fallen through thin ice about 100 yards from shore. Firefighters, who train annually for ice rescues, donned their dry suits to attempt to save the animal.

“They were crashing through the ice the whole way,” said Assistant Fire Marshal Bill Clifford. “They weren’t able to walk across it.”

Firefighters were able to retrieve the dog, but it was unresponsive. A bystander on shore performed CPR while firefighters put their animal rescue oxygen mask on the animal. Their efforts were unsuccessful. “He didn’t make it,” Clifford said.

Other calls received from Feb. 27 to Wednesday.

March 1: A dog was locked inside a running car in the 10600 block of East Sprague.

Tuesday: Residents reported smelling an electrical odor while using the microwave and told firefighters their food tasted metallic. Northing was found.

By the numbers: Crews responded to 226 calls, including 170 for emergency medical services. The calls included four downed power lines, 20 car crashes, a natural gas odor and a diesel fuel odor.