Firefighter rappels down abandoned California mine to rescue dog
EL DORADO COUNTY – A dog has been rescued after it fell down an abandoned mine shaft in Northern California.
Garden Valley Fire Protection District says, early in the morning on Nov. 21, first responders were called to an old abandoned mine in El Dorado County after getting reports that a dog was trapped 50 feet down.
With the help of Cal Fire's Amador-El Dorado Unit, a firefighter was lowered down into the mine.
The dog was then secured and raised out.
Rescuers made sure to shower the dog with pets and good vibes after all four paws were back safely above ground.
Firefighters say the dog was taken to a veterinarian for medical evaluation.
Exactly how the dog fell down the mine shaft is unclear, but authorities say the incident is a reminder of the danger of these abandoned structures. Garden Valley Fire officials say there are 5,416 mining claims and 1,968 mines in El Dorado County alone.
