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6 March 2026
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Virginia firefighters rescue dog after fall into 50-foot well overnight, US
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A late-night rescue turned into a success story after Lynchburg firefighters spent several hours working in frigid conditions to save a dog that had fallen roughly 50 feet into an old well off Florida Avenue in Lynchburg, US. According to Lynchburg Fire Department Public Information Officer Steve Smallshaw, crews had only recently returned to their stations from an earlier fire on Campbell Avenue when the unusual call came in. “It was an interesting story, cold as all heck and a long night there for those guys,” Smallshaw said.
The incident happened at about 20h30 or 20h45 when a homeowner let her dogs out into the backyard and heard what Smallshaw described as “a yelp of fear.” When she investigated, she discovered a concrete cover over an old well had collapsed, sending her dog, a young hound named Winnie, plunging into the hole.
Firefighters arrived shortly after 21h00 and found the dog trapped about 50 feet below ground.
Initial attempts to retrieve Winnie involved lowering the dog’s crate into the hole in hopes she would climb inside, but the frightened animal refused. “I think she was just really scared,” Smallshaw said.
With part of the concrete well cover still dangling dangerously above the opening, crews called in Bee Line Transport to bring a heavy wrecker. Chains were secured to stabilize the debris, while the truck’s boom served as an anchor point for ropes and pulleys used by the department’s technical rescue team.
After carefully setting up the equipment, a process that took time to ensure safety, a rescuer was lowered into the hole. “Once they got down there, it took maybe 20 minutes,” Smallshaw said. “He was able to get the dog into the crate, and they pulled him back up.”
Winnie was safely brought to the surface at about 00h30am, roughly three hours after the rescue began.
Smallshaw estimated that at least 15 personnel responded to the call, including members of the department’s rescue unit, engine company and medic units.
The operation came after firefighters had already spent hours battling an earlier blaze on Campbell Avenue, making the overnight rescue especially demanding. “Our technical rescue team, this is what they train for,” Smallshaw said. “Whether it’s animals or people or whoever, they’re ready to go regardless.”
The dog’s owners expressed appreciation to responders. Smallshaw said the department later returned with a small bag of treats for Winnie “just for being a brave dog and being so patient with us last night.” The well has since been temporarily secured with large sheets of plywood while the homeowners work with their insurance company on permanent repairs.
Although the incident was highly unusual, Smallshaw said it highlights the versatility and dedication of local first responders. “They just really did an amazing job last night in some very difficult conditions,” he said.
Source: The News & Advance, Lynchburg
The incident happened at about 20h30 or 20h45 when a homeowner let her dogs out into the backyard and heard what Smallshaw described as “a yelp of fear.” When she investigated, she discovered a concrete cover over an old well had collapsed, sending her dog, a young hound named Winnie, plunging into the hole.
Firefighters arrived shortly after 21h00 and found the dog trapped about 50 feet below ground.
Initial attempts to retrieve Winnie involved lowering the dog’s crate into the hole in hopes she would climb inside, but the frightened animal refused. “I think she was just really scared,” Smallshaw said.
With part of the concrete well cover still dangling dangerously above the opening, crews called in Bee Line Transport to bring a heavy wrecker. Chains were secured to stabilize the debris, while the truck’s boom served as an anchor point for ropes and pulleys used by the department’s technical rescue team.
After carefully setting up the equipment, a process that took time to ensure safety, a rescuer was lowered into the hole. “Once they got down there, it took maybe 20 minutes,” Smallshaw said. “He was able to get the dog into the crate, and they pulled him back up.”
Winnie was safely brought to the surface at about 00h30am, roughly three hours after the rescue began.
Smallshaw estimated that at least 15 personnel responded to the call, including members of the department’s rescue unit, engine company and medic units.
The operation came after firefighters had already spent hours battling an earlier blaze on Campbell Avenue, making the overnight rescue especially demanding. “Our technical rescue team, this is what they train for,” Smallshaw said. “Whether it’s animals or people or whoever, they’re ready to go regardless.”
The dog’s owners expressed appreciation to responders. Smallshaw said the department later returned with a small bag of treats for Winnie “just for being a brave dog and being so patient with us last night.” The well has since been temporarily secured with large sheets of plywood while the homeowners work with their insurance company on permanent repairs.
Although the incident was highly unusual, Smallshaw said it highlights the versatility and dedication of local first responders. “They just really did an amazing job last night in some very difficult conditions,” he said.
Source: The News & Advance, Lynchburg