Emergency crews responded to Burbank Avenue and Woodley Avenue near Sherman Oaks shortly after 2 p.m. Crews were able to give a rescue ring to a woman who refused to keep her dog, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The crews then used a rope system to lower a firefighter and pull the woman out of the river, officials say. Firefighters then tried to rescue the dog, but the frightened animal fought with the rescuer and broke down along the river. The river’s currents are estimated to range from five to 10 mph, according to the LAFD. At about 3 in the afternoon, a good Samaritan jumped into the river and managed to hold the dog. After a few minutes of floating on the river, other people managed to lower a rope to the man who was able to grab it. Firefighters rescued the good Samaritan but the dog relaxed and continued to drift down the river with strong currents. The good Samaritan, a 28-year-old, was taken to hospital with minor injuries, according to officials. This rescue prompted the LAFD to issue a statement saying: “Please do not enter the water to try to retrieve the dog. Passers-by who do so endanger themselves and create another human rescue.” #LAFD ABSOLUTELY asks ALL passers-by to stay OUT of the #lariver as we continue our efforts both from the ground and from the air to rescue the dog. Going into the water creates another human rescue that puts everyone in danger … including yourself. Please. Accommodation. Outside. – LAFD (@LAFD) March 28, 2022 Efforts to rescue the dog continue. This is breaking news. Updated information will be posted here when it becomes available. Copyright © 2022 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.
