[VIDEO] Firefighters rescue dog, trapped down embankment - Wilton

Published: 13 May 2024 05:00pm

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have detailed their rescue of a pet dog after it fell down an embankment near Wilton, in Sydney’s south-west.

When they arrived at Maldon Bridge Road at roughly 5pm last Friday (10 May), firefighters from Picton and Narellan discovered that “Wilma”, an eight-month-old chocolate Labrador who had been missing for most of the day, was trapped on a small ledge, 40 metres down the embankment.

One of Wilma’s owners had located her and called FRNSW for help. 

Faced with steep, volatile terrain and wet conditions, Vertical Rescue-trained and equipped firefighters from Liverpool attended with their ‘Technical Rescue Appliance’.

This truck carries specialist equipment such as balloon lighting, which helps in situations where increased visibility is required.  

NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) crews from Wilton also attended and assisted the rescue by forming a ‘hauling party’.

After securing specialist roping equipment, both pup and owner were safely hoisted to the top of the embankment, setting tails well and truly wagging.

FRNSW Inspector, Steven Perkins, said interagency cooperation and operability enabled the successful outcome.

“It’s the cooperation between FRNSW and NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) that allows us to assist communities, particularly in tricky situations like this one.” Inspector Perkins said.

“It truly was a great team effort to pull off a rescue of this scale and degree of difficulty.” 

Media note - FRNSW footage from the scene is available here: https://vimeo.com/945601902/54522a95ed?share=copy [external link]

Updated: 13 May 2024 05:05pm

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Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.

For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)

For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].

For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]

Stations nearby

PICTON Fire Station

435 Argyle Street, Picton NSW 2571

ROSEMEADOW Fire Station

1 Thomas Rose Drive, Rosemeadow NSW 2560

BULLI Fire Station

325-327 Princes Highway, Bulli NSW 2516