BUFFALO, N.Y. — ​As we see some warmer weather, some may start to think about spring flooding.

To help prepare, the Cotter was on the Buffalo River Thursday for the second time this season to begin breaking ice.

The boat can handle up to two feet of ice.

This year, the ice is only between four to ten inches thick, which determines how many times the boat will need to go out this year.

“Right now, it’s not that significant, but it’s going to depend on the weather you know, and how quickly things turn. Weather plays a significant factor on the flow, so we’re hoping for a nice slow thaw, but every year is different. Like I said, I’ve taken 8 hours to get to the Skyway before to break ice, and yesterday, or two days ago it took about a half hour," Cotter Fire Boat Capt John Sixt said.

The Cotter is actually the world’s oldest fire boat, designed as a dual purpose fire boat and ice cutter.

In 2019, it received upgrades to its propellers, shafts, and coating to get through ice better.