19-year-old BC Wildfire Service crew member dies near Revelstoke

The mayor of Revelstoke is calling the death of a B.C. wildfire fighter absolutely devastating. Kier Junos reports the 19-year-old was killed by a falling tree while tackling a fire.

By Charlie Carey and The Canadian Press

Posted July 14, 2023 6:34 am.

Last Updated July 14, 2023 6:33 pm.

A 19-year-old BC Wildfire Service firefighter has died while responding to a wildfire near Revelstoke Thursday.

She is being identified by her brother as Devyn Gale, who describes her as thoughtful and kind, and “an amazing sister.”

“She was careful, considerate, hardworking. She was smarter and better at what she did than she gave herself credit for. I’m so grateful to have grown up beside her. I’m grateful for everything she’s done for me and others, completely out of kindness with no expectation for reciprocation,” Gale’s brother said on social media.

In a statement Friday morning, Revelstoke RCMP says officers were called in around 3:30 p.m. after being notified of a “workplace fatality.”

Police say the RCMP learned that the young adult was working alongside a team that was clearing brush within the area where a small fire had started.

We are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic incident involving a BC Wildfire Service firefighter. On behalf of all British Columbians, we extend our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of this crew member.

(1/3) pic.twitter.com/JDGY2IFqyq

— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) July 14, 2023

“Upon the firefighting team losing contact with their fellow firefighter, they discovered her caught under a fallen tree. They immediately began first aid,” RCMP Corp. James Grandy said.

The firefighter was airlifted to the Queen Victoria Hospital in Revelstoke but later died of her injuries.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family, friends, and fellow firefighters of this young firefighter who tragically lost her life serving her community,” Grandy said. “It’s a reminder of the inherent risks first responders face working tirelessly to protect our communities.”

We must never forget the risks these heroes take every time they run toward the danger. To firefighters in British Columbia and across the country who are doing just that to keep us safe: Thank you. We are inspired by your courage, and grateful for your service.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 14, 2023

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau describes the tragic death as “heartbreaking.”

“At this incredibly difficult time, I’m sending my deepest condolences to her family, her friends, and her fellow firefighters,” Trudeau said Friday.

“We must never forget the risks these heroes take every time they run toward the danger. To firefighters in British Columbia and across the country who are doing just that to keep us safe: Thank you. We are inspired by your courage, and grateful for your service,” he continued.

The union representing government workers posted condolences online Thursday evening, announcing the death.

“It is with heavy hearts that our union mourns the loss of one of our BCGEU family who lost her life today fighting a wildfire outside of Revelstoke,” the union said.

“B.C. wildland firefighters are renowned for their teamwork and incredible service to our communities. Each and everyone is committed to ensuring that their fellow members return from work safely while protecting our resources and our communities. Unfortunately, incidents like today’s remind us all how dangerous this work can be.”

It is with heavy hearts that our union mourns the loss of one of our BCGEU family who lost her life today fighting a wildfire outside of Revelstoke. Our hearts and thoughts go out to her family and community.https://t.co/ST1uI7Cvhf

— BCGEU (@bcgeu) July 14, 2023

The union notes it will be working alongside WorkSafeBC to make sure the investigation into the incident is thorough “and that her colleagues have access to all necessary counselling and supports.”

A statement from Premier David Eby issued late Thursday offered his condolences, and confirmed the tragedy.

Calling it a “tremendous loss for everyone involved with the BC Wildfire Service at an already challenging time,” the statement goes on to say the tragedy serves as a heartbreaking reminder that firefighters are often putting their lives on the line to keep people and communities safe.

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 statement offers condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the unidentified crew member on behalf of all British Columbians.

It’s not the first time something like this has happened. Two waterbomber pilots lost their lives in a crash in B.C.’s interior in 2010.

Devastating news today on the loss of a @BCGovFireInfo firefighter who tragically lost her life fighting a fire near @Revelstoke_BC. We should never forget the risks firefighters take to protect our homes and our province. Thoughts are with her family, friends and teammates. pic.twitter.com/Cik1qHNHwv

— Phil Lacasse (@LacassePhil) July 14, 2023

The death comes as the province puts out a call for national and international help to fight the 350 or so fires burning across B.C.

Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Bowinn Ma says the province has requested 1,000 additional foreign firefighters to join 160 from Mexico and the United States already in B.C., as well as more federal resources. An incident management team from Australia will be arriving into the province Saturday.

The province says drought levels in B.C. are already worse than they were at the beginning of the fall last year, months ahead of historic patterns and levels of prior years.

On a six-degree scale, parts of B.C., including Vancouver Island, are already at the highest drought level — level 5.

The province explains this level means “adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are almost certain.”

Earlier this week, Ma urged B.C. residents to take measures to conserve water, adding many communities are already implementing water restrictions, and further measures across larger areas of the province are anticipated.

She said much of B.C. has been in drought conditions since last winter, with B.C.’s northeast, Lower Mainland, and Vancouver Island being of most concern.

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