Another wildland firefighter has died battling a wildfire near Fort St. John. On July 28, just before 11 am, the Fort St. John RCMP was notified of a workplace fatality involving a wildland firefighter that was working with the BC Wildfire Service.
The RCMP learned that the 25-year wildland firefighter was working in a remote area approximately 150 kilometres north of Fort St. John when the UTV he was riding on, rolled over a steep drop on a gravel road. He was transported by helicopter to the Fort St. John Airport, but sadly succumbed to his injuries while en route. The wildland firefighter was from Ontario and contracted by a private BC company.
The events surrounding his death are being actively investigated by the RCMP, BC Coroners Service, WorkSafeBC and the BC Wildfire Service. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of this young man, as well as to his fellow firefighters,” says the BC RCMP.
Premier David Eby said he was devastated to learn about the loss of another wildfire fighter. “This tragic news, coming so soon after the death of Devyn Gale, has shaken people throughout B.C. and is devastating for so many of those in the woods bravely fighting wildfires right now. Every worker expects and deserves to return home safely to family and friends,” he said.
“This wildfire season has been profoundly awful. We are so grateful to this firefighter and all of our firefighters for their daily heroism. This tragic news reminds us yet again of the extraordinary sacrifices they make to keep us safe.”
