Worker was hit by a falling tree in Jasper
A wildland firefighter in Alberta died on duty as the wildfire in the province continued to rage.
The incident happened on Saturday, when a 24-year-old firefighter was hit by a falling tree while fighting the blaze northeast of Jasper, according to a Global News report.
The workers suffered a serious injury.
The fire fighter was rushed by stretcher to a helipad and flown out by STARS air ambulance. However, the firefighter was pronounced dead shortly after, according to the report.
“Today we are mourning the loss of one of our own. An Alberta Wildfire crew member was fatally injured yesterday while responding to the wildfire in Jasper. This morning we stood heartbroken with our partners as a procession passed by,” Alberta Wildfire said in a post on X on Aug. 4.
Incident under investigation
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers were notified of an Alberta Wildland fire employee who sustained a serious injury around 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, according to a Global News report.
“With heavy hearts, we’re sending our deepest condolences to our partners at Alberta Wildfire, and the family, friends and coworkers of the firefighter who lost his life in #Jasper this weekend. A loss on the frontline is a loss for us all,” said RCMP Alberta over X.
RCMP said that it has notified Occupational Health and Safety of the death of the firefighter. OHS will be investigating the incident, according to the Global News report.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also expressed her condolences to the family and friends of the firefighter who died on duty.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a wildland firefighter during yesterday’s response operations in the Jasper area. Our hearts go out to their family and friends in this incredibly difficult time,” she said via X.
“We are forever grateful for the courageous wildland firefighters who risk their lives every day to protect others.”
Intense wildfires across western Canada are sending huge plumes of smoke sweeping across North America, and this has forced some workplaces to close – causing thousands of Alberta residents to evacuate and leaving immigrants without employment.
