Vermont authorities on Thursday extended their warning for people to stay off the ice on Lake Champlain

 As the warmer weather continues, Vermont authorities on Thursday extended their warning for people to stay off the ice on Lake Champlain and to be cautious on other lakes following the recent deaths of three ice fishermen who fell through the Lake Champlain ice in two separate incidents. The men fell through the ice and died earlier this month, prompting safety warnings. With the forecast for temperatures to rise to highs of around 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) for much of the state into the next week, safety is a top priority, the department said. The current weather is grounds for caution even on inland lakes that may have over 8 inches (20 centimeters) of ice, the department said. It’s crucial to bring safety equipment, check the ice and leave vehicles on shore, the department said.