Firefighter dead in Northwest Territories, 2nd killed in Canada this wildfire season
Another firefighter has been killed during Canada’s worst wildfire season on record.
The man from Fort Liard, a hamlet in the southwest corner of the Northwest Territories, died of an injury sustained while battling a wildfire in the Fort Liard district on Saturday afternoon.
A Sunday news release from the Government of the Northwest Territories does not identify the firefighter, but confirms that his family, the RCMP, and the Coroner Service have been notified.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and community. We share your deep sorrow at this loss,” wrote wildfire information officer Jessica Davey-Quantick in the release.
“We send our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy, including wildfire personnel who are committed to protecting their communities and the residents of the NWT.”
There are at least three wildfires burning near Fort Liard, about 37 kilometres north of the B.C. border.
In a Sunday tweet, N.W.T. Premier Caroline Cochrane said she was “deeply saddened” by the loss of life due to an injury sustained while protecting the territory, and thanked the man for his service.
“This is a tragic loss for the entire territory, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to their family, friends and colleagues. The bravery and selflessness of our firefighters is an incredible gift to us all.”
This is a tragic loss for the entire territory, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to their family, friends and colleagues. The bravery and selflessness of our firefighters is an incredible gift to us all. Thank you for your service to our territory and to our country.
— Caroline Cochrane (@CCochrane_NWT) <a href=«https://twitter.com/CCochrane_NWT/status/1680624046692507648?ref_src=»
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