Helicopter pilot dies fighting wildfires in northern Alberta
A helicopter pilot working on extinguishing the wildfires in the Peace River Forest area has died while on the job.
The incident happened on Wednesday, and while the RCMP has not released many details, Todd Loewen, Alberta’s minister of forestry and parks, has responded to the news by sharing his “deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the pilot.”
“While we mourn a life lost in the line of duty, Alberta’s brave first responders continue to put themselves in danger every day for Alberta families. For that, we thank them,” he adds.
The Transportation Safety Board says it is looking into the incident and has deployed a team of investigators following an “accident involving a Bell 205A helicopter during firefighting operations near Peace River, Alberta.”
At this point, there is no word on what may have caused the crash.
Firefighters know the risks they face in the line of duty, but they serve our communities selflessly in spite of them.
The loss of a helicopter pilot supporting firefighting efforts in Alberta is a tragedy. His memory will be cherished and his sacrifice will not be forgotten.
— Bill Blair (@BillBlair) July 20, 2023
This is the third death of someone working to fight wildfires in Canada this month alone.
A teen firefighter trying to suppress a blaze burning in BC tragically died last week, with Canada’s federal minister of emergency preparedness, Bill Blair, confirming she died while “heroically serving her province.”
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