Zak Muise’s family grateful for support as Penticton memorial held for wildfire fighter

The family of Ontario firefighter Zak Muise, who died last month while fighting the Donnie Creek wildfire in B.C.’s northeast, says an outpouring of support has meant a lot to them.

Muise’s sister, Allison Tackaberry, says her brother’s death devastated his family, calling it a sudden and tragic loss.

Her comments came before a memorial service was held to honour him on Wednesday.

The service and a procession took place in Penticton, the home base of the firefighting contractor that Muise worked for.

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The RCMP says Muise from Waterford, Ont., died on July 28 when his heavy-duty ATV rolled over a steep drop on a gravel road in a remote area about 150 kilometres north of Fort St. John.

The procession and memorial for the 25-year-old took place at Skaha Lake Park and involved the RCMP, Penticton Fire Department, and Muise’s colleagues from Big Cat Wildfire.

Muise was the fourth firefighter to die on duty in Canada this summer while fighting wildfires.

Last month, 19-year-old Devyn Gale died fighting a wildfire near her home at Revelstoke, B.C.; Adam Yeadon, 25, died fighting a wildfire near his Fort Liard, N.W.T., home; and Alberta resident Ryan Gould, 41, died near Haig Lake 140 kilometres northeast of Peace River, Alta., when his helicopter crashed while fighting another fire.

“I am devastated to learn that we have lost another wildfire fighter. My heart goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of this front-line hero. On behalf of all British Columbians, we grieve this terrible news with you.,” B.C. Premier David Eby said in a statement following Muise’s death.