Dozens of people stranded on Upper Red Lake

Responders have been working to rescue dozens of people stranded on ice on Upper Red Lake. According to Beltrami County authorities, approximately 40-50 anglers became stranded on ice that broke away from the shore after strong winds caused the ice to shift Sunday evening. Christopher Muller, Beltrami County Public Information Officer, said Upper Red lake is a very popular fishing destination and frequently used before ice is stable, and that results in rescues from either falling through the ice or floating on ice that broke away. Last year, over 200 anglers were rescued after a large ice chunk broke free on Upper Red Lake. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says at least four inches of ice is needed before going out on a lake. Clear ice is the safest on a lake and 5 to 7 inches of ice is needed for snowmobiles and small ATVs.