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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Marion County firefighters rescue horse trapped in Belleview septic tank

Marion County firefighters are being lauded for their efforts Friday in saving a horse that had fallen into a septic tank in Belleview.

Smiles were aplenty Friday night after Marion County firefighters rescued a horse named Buddy Bear from a septic tank.

When firefighters from Belleview Station #18 arrived at the incident at 6:30 p.m. in the 12000 block of S.E. 47th Avenue, they found a horse named Buddy Bear about three-fourths submerged into the septic tank. They requested the assistance of Marion County Fire Rescue’s Special Operations Heavy Rescue 1 and Technical Rescue Team Heavy Rescue 2 to assist in the rescue. Buddy Bear’s veterinarian also arrived to assist when the rescue was completed.

A Marion County firefighter comforts Buddy Bear after the horse became trapped in a septic tank in Belleview.

The driver/engineer of Engine 18, who had grown up in the horse industry, took command and directed rescue specialists to use fire hose as a sling to stabilize Buddy Bear. The specialists completed the sling and supported the horse’s back side with an additional section of hose. They were then able to position Buddy Bear within the hole for the easiest extrication.

Utilizing the trapped horse’s remaining strength and the strength of the firefighters, Buddy Bear was quickly removed from the septic tank. The horse was reportedly doing well after the incident was over.

Marion County firefighters used fire hose to create a sling to help rescue a horse named Buddy Bear from a septic tank Friday night.