Marengo Fire & Rescue Saves Horse Stranded in Creek Flood

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The Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts in Illinois rescued a horse that had become stranded in 15-foot-deep floodwaters at Coon Creek after overnight storms caused the creek to overflow its banks. The animal was found approximately 600 feet from shore and required a coordinated effort involving boats, veterinary treatment, and additional manpower from mutual aid teams to guide it safely back to land.

Why it matters

Extreme weather events like heavy storms and flash flooding can pose serious risks to livestock and other animals, highlighting the importance of well-trained emergency responders and specialized rescue teams to protect vulnerable creatures in rural and agricultural areas.

The details

The horse had taken footing on a small peninsula, which prevented responders from bringing the animal straight across due to the depth and strong current of the floodwaters. Initial teams utilized a boat to reach the animal and provide a veterinarian with direct access to begin medical treatment, as the horse was suffering from significant hypothermia. As the operation grew, the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts requested additional manpower and swiftwater technicians through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, and the Wisconsin Large Animal Emergency Response Technical Response Team also assisted on the scene. These teams worked together to coordinate a plan to guide the animal through the current and back to the shore, where nearly two dozen responders helped move the horse to a roadway and into a trailer for continued veterinary care.

• The rescue operation took place early Saturday morning.
• The overnight storms caused Coon Creek to overflow its banks.