BC RCMP say 19-year-old wildfire fighter, Devyn Gale, was part of a team clearing brush in a remote area near Revelstoke when she was killed by a falling tree yesterday, July 13.
“Our hearts and thoughts go out to her family and community, both at home and in the BC Wildfire Service,” the BC General Employees Union said in a statement announcing Gale’s death.
“B.C. wildland firefighters are renowned for their teamwork and incredible service to our communities. Each and every one 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.”
The BCGEU did not release specifics about the circumstances surrounding Gale’s death.
In a statement Friday, RCMP spokesperson Cpl. James Grandy, said Gale was found under a fallen tree and airlifted to Queen Victoria Hospital in Revelstoke where she 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.”
Premier David Eby and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued statements of condolence to Gale’s family, friends, and colleagues,
“Day in and day out during wildfire season, our firefighting crews go to heroic lengths to keep people and communities in B.C. safe,” Eby said. “This tragedy serves as a heartbreaking reminder that they are often putting their lives on the line to do so.”
“This is a tremendous loss for everyone involved with the BC Wildfire Service at an already challenging time, and our hearts are with them all.”
“The news from British Columbia – that one of the firefighters bravely battling wildfires has lost her life – is heartbreaking,” Trudeau added. “At this incredibly difficult time, I’m sending my deepest condolences to her family, her friends, and her fellow firefighters.”
The RCMP, the BC Wildfire Service, the BC Coroners Service, and WorkSafeBC are all investigating.
“As a union, we are committed to making occupational health and safety the highest priority in our worksites,” the BCGEU statement added. “Over the coming days, we will ensure that the WorkSafeBC investigation into the incident is thorough and that her colleagues have access to all necessary counselling and supports.”
“As fellow workers, we mourn her loss.”
Gale’s death is the fourth linked to B.C. wildfires since 2010, according to the CBC.
John Phare, 60, was killed in 2015 while working on a blaze on the Sunshine Coast, while two air tanker pilots, Tim Whiting and Brian Tilley, died when their plane went down south of Lytton in July 2010.
