A 20-year-old man was rescued by first responders after becoming trapped in mud up to his waist while with friends at a suburban ravine.
The Lake Forest Fire Department said it was called to the scene around 2:20 p.m. Sunday for a report of a man who “became stuck in a muddy ravine following recent wet weather conditions,” the department said in a release.
When they arrived, fire crews said they found the main “partially submerged in mud up to his waist.”
Crews said several friends had attempted to help the man but were unsuccessful “due to the depth and density of the mud.”
Firefighters used special equipment to “safely extricate the individual and assist him to solid ground.”
The man was evaluated at the scene but appeared uninjured and declined treatment.
“After heavy rain, ravines can become unstable very quickly, with deep mud and uneven ground,” Fire Chief Andy Rick said in a statement. “If you encounter these conditions, avoid entering the area and call for help rather than attempting a rescue on your own.”
The fire department issued a warning for residents to “exercise caution” around “unstable outdoor areas, particularly during periods of heavy rain or flooding.”
“Mud, loose soil, and uneven terrain can pose serious and unexpected hazards,” the department wrote.
