Firefighters Rescue Hypothermic Dog From Icy Luce Creek In Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Firefighters in Anne Arundel County carried out a coordinated early-morning animal rescue Monday after a large dog became trapped on ice-covered rocks along Luce Creek during dangerously cold conditions.

The incident was reported shortly before 5:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, in the 1800 block of Luce Creek Drive, when emergency crews were dispatched for an animal water rescue. Officials said the dog had gone outside and did not return, prompting a search that led to the animal being heard barking from below a steep embankment.

Responders found the dog roughly 200 feet down a hillside with an estimated 60-degree slope, stranded on rocks at the edge of the frozen creek. Fire officials said the animal had been exposed to the cold for approximately an hour and was showing signs of hypothermia, though it remained alert.

Units from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, Annapolis Fire Department, and Edgewater Volunteer Fire Department responded, including Rescue Squad 38, Truck 39, Brush 40, and Ambulance 2-9, staffed by both career and volunteer personnel. Firefighters cautiously operated near thin and unstable ice conditions, securing the dog in a Stokes basket before bringing it safely up the embankment.

Due to the steep terrain, crews transported the animal up the driveway and loaded it into the ambulance for warming and monitoring. Officials said the dog was unable to stand or crawl during the rescue but began showing improvement shortly afterward.

The dog was transported to an area emergency veterinary clinic for evaluation and treatment.

No responders were injured during the operation. Battalion Chief 35 served as incident commander.

Fire officials used the incident to remind residents that ice on local waterways remains unsafe amid continued Arctic air. They urged the public to keep pets leashed near water, avoid frozen surfaces, and call 911 immediately if a person or animal falls through ice rather than attempting a rescue themselves.