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Lynchburg Today
By the People, for the People
Lynchburg Firefighters Rescue Dog from 50-Foot Backyard Sinkhole
Crews spent three hours pulling Winnie the dog to safety after she fell into an old well covered by a concrete slab.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Firefighters in Lynchburg, Virginia responded to a call on Wednesday night after a family's dog, named Winnie, fell into a 50-foot deep sinkhole in their backyard. The owners didn't even know the old well was there, as it was covered by a concrete slab. After nearly four hours of rescue efforts, firefighters were able to safely pull Winnie from the hole using a harness and a wrecker from Beeline Towing.
Why it matters
This dramatic rescue highlights the importance of being aware of potential hazards on one's own property, as well as the dedication and skill of local first responders in handling dangerous situations to save beloved pets. The incident also underscores the risks that can come with older, hidden infrastructure on residential land.
The details
Lynchburg Fire Department crews were called to the home on Florida Avenue shortly after 8:30pm on Wednesday. They first tried using treats and a cage to lure Winnie out, but that was not successful. After nearly four hours, firefighters deployed one of their technical rescue team members in a harness down into the 50-foot sinkhole. They were able to secure Winnie, and then used a wrecker from Beeline Towing to mechanically lift both the rescuer and the dog back up to safety.
- On Wednesday, February 12, 2026, Winnie the dog fell into the 50-foot sinkhole in the backyard around 8:30pm.
- Lynchburg Fire Department crews responded to the home shortly after the incident occurred.
- The rescue operation lasted for nearly four hours before Winnie was safely pulled from the hole.
The players
Winnie
The family dog who fell into the 50-foot sinkhole in the backyard.
Lynchburg Fire Department
The local fire department that responded to the emergency call and conducted the complex rescue operation to save Winnie.
Beeline Towing
The towing company that provided a wrecker that was used by the firefighters to mechanically lift Winnie and the rescuer out of the deep sinkhole.
What they’re saying
“We just lured one of our technical rescue team members in a harness down into the hole, they were able to secure the dog. And then using Beeline's rotator, we were able to build a high point and off of that and mechanically capture and then raise the rescuer and the dog out of the hole.”
— Kenny Turner, Acting Deputy Director of Operations, Lynchburg Fire Department (WSET)
What’s next
The family will likely need to have the old well on their property properly filled and sealed to prevent any future incidents.
The takeaway
This dramatic rescue highlights the importance of being aware of potential hazards on one's own property, as well as the dedication and skill of local first responders in handling dangerous situations to save beloved pets. The incident also underscores the risks that can come with older, hidden infrastructure on residential land.
