8:30 p.m. update:
- Crews are opening up 13th Avenue W. for traffic, but asks public to remain out of the area if possible.
- Operation has transitioned to a recovery, which means that crews are no longer using extraordinary rescue measures that may put crews in danger.
- Valley Water Rescue will remain on scene for the next few hours to continue to investigate. This organization has equipment, such as underwater sonar, that is more suited to the recovery mission.
- West Fargo Fire Department and other units have been released from the scene.
- Crews are planning to return in the morning if a recovery cannot be accomplished tonight.
Original news:
The West Fargo Fire Department and the West Fargo Police Department have responded to the Sheyenne River, near the intersection of Sheyenne Street at 13th Avenue W., due to reports of a suicidal female entering the Sheyenne River near the area. FM Ambulance, Valley Water Rescue and Southeast Regional UAS drone team are also on scene. 13th Avenue W. is closed from Sheyenne Street to Ninth Street W. while crews continue their response.
Crews have been on scene since 4:20 p.m. and have used drones and K9 teams to search the river and surrounding area for signs of the individual. A highly trained, specialized water rescue team from the fire department also entered the river to search. Around 6 p.m., crews moved to a boat search and suspended swimming operations. The current of the river and lack of light in the area is creating difficult conditions for the effort.
While crews search the river, the police and fire departments are also working to confirm additional information about the report. The departments are asking for the community’s support by staying out of the area to provide the response team adequate room to work.