A fisherman in an ice hut on Onota Lake on Saturday.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A fisherman was hauled of the icy waters of Onota Lake on Tuesday morning.
The Fire Department responded to the report of a fisherman falling through the ice about 7:45 a.m. At first, it was reported he was able to get out of the water but then fell through again trying to make it shore.
The Berkshire County Dive Team was put on standby as firefighters and police arrived at the scene.
Two fishermen were spotted about 100 yards off the boat launch at Burbank Park, with one in the water.
Firefighters donned cold-water rescue suits and set out to rescue the distressed individual. As rescuers neared the fisherman, a section of ice shelf broke off and they entered the water as well on the ice sled.
The fisherman was secured to the ice sled and was removed from the water.
Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Garner said the rescue was a manpower intensive operation taking place on an unstable and unpredictable ice surface.
The fisherman was alert and orientated when pulled from the lack but was taken by County Ambulance to Berkshire Medical Center to be treated for hypothermia. He was expected to make a full recovery.
A firefighter was also taken to BMC with hypothermia because his cold-water suit failed. He is expected to
The Fire Department offered some warnings to consider before venturing onto a frozen lake or pond:
Fluctuating temperatures and flowing waters degrade ice conditions. Ice should always be considered as potentially dangerous.
Newly frozen ice is stronger than old ice. For example, 4 inches of clear, newly formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially thawed ice may not.
The State Environmental Police reminds everyone that on state-owned properties a minimum ice thickness of 5 inches is required for recreation vehicle operation upon authorized frozen waterways. Also, local cities and towns may place different restrictions as allowing motorized vehicles on frozen waterways. When in doubt, check with local authorities.
Never venture onto the ice alone and let someone know if you are going onto the ice.
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BCAC Offers Free Tax Preparation Services for Eligible Residents
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC) is offering free tax preparation services through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for individuals living or working in Massachusetts with a gross income of $67,000 or less.
The program prioritizes seniors, people with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency.
The VITA program will operate from Feb. 1, 2025, to April 15, 2025, with in-person tax preparation available by appointment only at multiple locations, including BCAC offices in Pittsfield and North Adams.
Participants must bring essential documents such as photo identification, Social Security cards, and relevant tax forms. The program will not accept original documents, but copiers are available at BCAC offices.
For appointments and more information, residents can call 413-418-3668 or 413-418-3685 for South and Central Berkshire County and 413-663-3014 for Northern Berkshire County.
She successfully cleared his airway using the Heimlich maneuver, and his mother expressed appreciation for how Eichstedt handled the frightening situation with empathy.
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