Body camera footage released by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office shows a dramatic rescue of two teenage girls who fell through thin ice at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds Pond in Madras, Oregon, on January 28, 2026. The girls, aged 15 and 16, were quickly pulled from the freezing water by first responders and treated for hypothermia at a local hospital, with both expected to recover fully.

The footage captures deputies entering the icy pond to reach the struggling teens, highlighting the risks faced by first responders during extreme winter conditions. Officials praised the deputies’ swift and coordinated actions, noting that the response likely saved the girls’ lives.

The incident occurred amid Winter Storm Fern, which has caused at least 42 deaths nationwide and created hazardous conditions across multiple states. Experts caution that thawing and refreezing cycles in subzero temperatures can create unstable ice on ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water, posing serious dangers to both recreational users and emergency personnel.

Local authorities are urging residents to exercise extreme caution around frozen bodies of water, emphasizing that even ponds that appear solid may not support weight safely. The rescue at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds serves as a reminder of both the risks of winter conditions and the dedication of first responders who face them daily.