‘Never be forgotten’: Calgary firefighter dies on duty in Jasper National Park
Posted August 4, 2024 6:29 am.
Last Updated August 5, 2024 8:39 am.
Firefighters in mourning lined the road in Hinton on Sunday morning to honour the fallen Calgary firefighter who died while on duty in Jasper National Park.
The fire personnel stood side by side with other first responders and members of the Canadian Armed Forces who have been assisting fire crews battle the flames.
They paid tribute to the 24-year-old Alberta Wildfire firefighter who was working on the out-of-control Jasper wildfire complex Saturday around 2 p.m. when he was fatally struck by a tree.
“Today we are mourning the loss of one of our own,” Alberta Wildfire wrote in a social media post. “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.”
“Today’s a difficult day for firefighters,” added Alberta Wildfire information unit manager Christie Tucker at Sunday’s wildfire update. “Even though we know that wildland firefighting is a job that includes a lot of dangers, and we try to prepare for any circumstances. It doesn’t lessen the impact when we lose one of our own.”
Alberta Wildfire says crew members provided immediate first aid and activated the medical response plan.
A wheeled stretcher was used to lift the man to the nearest helipad and was then flown by STARS helicopter to the hospital. He was declared dead after his transfer. There were no other reported injuries.
“I’d like to acknowledge the quick response of his crewmates, Jasper National Park’s visitor safety specialist, and STARS air ambulance in providing first aid and rescue services. Unfortunately, their efforts were unsuccessful yesterday,” Tucker said.
Watch: One Calgarian has died while fighting the Jasper Wildfire
Joe Zatylny with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency said “while we know firefighting comes with tremendous risk, a loss like this is unexpected and extremely difficult.”
The Calgary’s man identity has not been made public yet, though RCMP said he was based out of the Rocky Mountain House Fire Base, about 200 kilometres north of Calgary.
“I know people want to know more about the firefighter and the circumstances. We are working with the family on the release of any further details out of respect for their privacy at this difficult time,” said Alberta Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen.
Loewen added the family will be eligible for mental-health support and the Alberta Heroes’ Fund “in the coming months.”
“As a father, grandfather, the loss of a young firefighter is hard to bear,” the minister said. “I know that I speak unanimously for my caucus colleagues and sending heartfelt sympathies to this courageous young man’s family and friends. I want to recognize his unwavering commitment to protecting our communities. This will never be forgotten.”
Police said Occupational Health and Safety will investigate the man’s death.
“This incident highlights the dangerous nature of wildland firefighting and the hazards that crew members encounter every day,” Parks Canada said in a statement.
“Every single person responding to the Jasper Wildfire Complex is in mourning today for our friend and colleague. The wildland fire community is small and every loss deeply impacts us all.”
Minister of Emergency Services Mike Ellis shared on X that the bus tour viewings set for Sunday have been delayed “out of respect for the family, crew and all those impacted by this tragedy” for 24 hours.
“The residents that had signed up for the tours were notified last night, and we will continue to communicate with them directly to keep them informed,” he said.
“We are working to ensure supports are available for all those working in Jasper during this incredibly difficult time.”
Zatylny specified the bus tours would likely have been cancelled anyway at some point on Sunday due to fire conditions.
Many expressed sadness at the firefighter’s death and offered condolences to his family and friends.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she was “forever grateful for the courageous wildland firefighters who risk their lives every day to protect others.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on X he was “heartbroken” by the news, adding the 24-year-old served Albertans with “unwavering bravery.”
“I’m keeping his family, friends, and his fellow firefighters in my thoughts,” his post reads.
Guy Smith, president of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE), said the loss has left union members “shocked and saddened,” and that their thoughts are with his family and friends.
“The tragic loss of one of our members while fighting the Jasper forest fire is hard to bear. Our thoughts are with his family and friends,” Smith said in a release.
“We are also thinking of his crew members and other wildland firefighters who continue to put their lives on the line fighting this and other forest fires.”
“RCMP wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers of the deceased,” Mounties added.
Two firefighters died fighting wildfires in B.C. and North West Territories in the summer of 2023, along with helicopter pilot Ryan Goulding in Alberta who died after he collided with terrain while bucketing.
Parks Canada reported Saturday that the fire in the park was still burning out of control. Dean MacDonald, deputy incident commander with Parks Canada, said the wildfire was estimated to be around 32,000 hectares.
With files from Carly Robinson and The Canadian Press
