An unidentified woman walking through Lake Opeka Park this afternoon fell through the ice and had to be rescued after attempting to rescue her dog, who also fell through the ice.

Des Plaines Fire Department Deputy Chief Ron Eilken said the dog ran out onto the lake, which was only frozen about an inch and a half deep. A person walking by with a dog attempted to get his dog to coax the animal off the ice. When this failed, the woman ran out about 75 feet onto the ice and fell through. Firefighter Eric Suevel rescued both the woman and her dog and returned them to land safely.

Eilken issued this warning to residents:

"Keep your dogs on a leash near any body of water that may have open areas or not be frozen enough to support them or you. A dog may run out on the ice. If it does, do not attempt to go onto the ice and rescue the dog yourself.

If the dog does fall through the ice, call 911 and let the Fire Department come with the proper safety equipment to rescue your pet. Attempting to rescue your dog can put you in danger of falling through the ice and drowning."