19-year-old BC firefighter dies fighting wildfire near Revelstoke

A teen firefighter trying to suppress a blaze burning in BC tragically died on Thursday.

Canada’s federal minister of emergency preparedness, Bill Blair, confirmed she died while “heroically serving her province” in a tweet Friday morning.

“This is a tragic reminder of the risks our firefighters are facing, and I offer my deepest condolences to her family and the entire firefighting community as they mourn her loss,” Blair said.

Yesterday, a firefighter in British Columbia lost her life while heroically serving her province.

This is a tragic reminder of the risks our firefighters are facing, and I offer my deepest condolences to her family and the entire firefighting community as they mourn her loss.

— Bill Blair (@BillBlair) July 14, 2023

The female wildland firefighter was only 19 years old, and was working with her team to clear brush within a remote area where a small fire had started.

The team lost contact with her, and found her under a fallen tree.

She was airlifted to Queen Victoria Hospital in Revelstoke, but sadly died of her injuries.

“BC wildland firefighters are renowned for their teamwork and incredible service to our communities. Each and every one is committed to ensuring that their fellow members return from work safely while protecting our resources and our communities,” the BC General Employees Union said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, incidents like today’s remind us all how dangerous this work can be.”

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WorkSafeBC, RCMP, and the BC Coroners Service will be conducting an investigation into her death.

Many wildfires are burning in BC right now, sending smoke into the air over the province’s Interior.