Firefighters worked for 30 minutes to rescue a man in his 20s who became partially submerged in a muddy ravine at Lake Forest College in Lake Forest Sunday afternoon.
The Lake Forest Fire Department responded around 2:20 p.m. Sunday to Lake Forest College, 555 North Sheridan Road in Lake Forest, for a report of a technical rescue.
Lake Forest Deputy Fire Chief Chris Roberts said a 911 caller reported a 20-year-old man who had become stuck in a muddy ravine.
The incident happened following recent wet weather conditions and occurred near Deerpath Hall on the campus.
Fire crews arrived and found the subject partially submerged in mud up to his waist, Roberts said.
Several of the man’s friends had attempted to rescue him prior to the fire department’s arrival.
The friends were unsuccessful due to the depth and density of the mud, Roberts said.
Firefighters assessed the situation and implemented a coordinated rescue plan.
Fire crews used specialized equipment to maintain stable footing in the unstable terrain.
Roberts said they worked for approximately 30 minutes to safely extricate the victim and assist him to solid ground.
The man was evaluated at the scene by paramedics and found to be uninjured. He declined further medical treatment.
“After heavy rain, ravines can become unstable very quickly, with deep mud and uneven ground,” Lake Forest Fire Chief Andy Rick said.
“If you encounter these conditions, avoid entering the area and call for help rather than attempting a rescue on your own,” Rick added.
The Lake Forest Fire Department said they remind the public to exercise caution when traversing unfamiliar or unstable outdoor areas, particularly during periods of heavy rain or flooding.
“Mud, loose soil, and uneven terrain can pose serious and unexpected hazards.”
It is unknown why the man was in the ravine or whether he was a student of the college.