Fallen tree fatally injures Alberta firefighter battling Jasper-area wildfire
A 24-year-old Calgary man is dead after being injured by a falling tree while fighting a wildfire northeast of Jasper, Alta.
RCMP say they were notified of the incident on Saturday at 2:15 p.m. MT. The firefighter was taken by STARS air ambulance to hospital, but was not able to be saved.
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"RCMP wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of the deceased," said Alberta RCMP in a release issued late on Saturday night.
The man — who RCMP say was part of the Rocky Mountain House Fire Base — was among hundreds of firefighters who are in Alberta to fight the massive wildfires affecting the province..
Alberta's Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen said in a social media post on X that he was devastated by the news.
The province says more than 700 firefighters are battling wildfires near Jasper, including more than 100 firefighters and support staff from Ontario, Quebec, P.E.I., New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. (@AlbertaWildfire/X)
"My heart goes out to the family and friends of this front-line hero who had a unwavering commitment to safeguarding our communities," he said.
"Our deepest condolences also go to his fire-line crew, the 700-person strong team working in Jasper and the larger Alberta Wildfire community. I know all of you have been deeply impacted by this loss. On behalf of all Albertans, we grieve this terrible news with you."
"We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of an Alberta wildland firefighter who gave their life today to protect our community. This dedicated person travelled to Jasper to help us, to help protect our town and our home," Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland said in a statement.
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"Our hearts ache for their family, their loved ones and their comrades," Ireland said.
A dangerous tree is brought down in the Municipality of Jasper on Wednesday. (Jasper National Park/Facebook)
RCMP say Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety is investigating the death.
Falling trees can be extremely dangerous when battling against wildfires. It's been a year since Devyn Gale was killed by a cedar tree that fell on the 19-year-old while she was fighting a wildfire outside of Revelstoke, B.C.
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Thumbnail courtesy of Jasper National Park/Facebook via CBC.
The story was originally written by and published for CBC News.
