A procession was held for the fallen firefighter in Hinton on Sunday morning (Aug. 4) following his tragic and untimely death fighting the ongoing Jasper wildfires.
The 24-year-old firefighter from Calgary died from injuries on Saturday afternoon (Aug. 3) from a falling tree that hit the Alberta Wildland Fire Employee while he was fighting an active fire northeast of the townsite.
The firefighter’s crew provided immediate first aid, and the incident’s medical response plan was activated.
A wheeled stretcher was used to transport the injured firefighter to the nearest helipad and were flown to the Parks Canada Operations Compound in Jasper where a STARS air ambulance was waiting.
The injured firefighter was pronounced deceased shortly after transfer to STARS.
“This incident highlights the dangerous nature of wildland firefighting and the hazards that crew members encounter every day,” read a statement from Jasper Wildfire Complex Unified Command.
“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.”
RCMP stated that the deceased firefighter had been based out of the Rocky Mountain House Fire Base.
Occupational Health and Safety will be investigating the incident.
This is the first fatality caused by the Jasper wildfires.
“Today we are mourning the loss of one of our own,” Alberta Wildfire stated on Sunday in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“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.”
Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland said in a statement that the town was “profoundly saddened” by the loss of a firefighter “who gave their life to protect our community.”
“This dedicated person travelled to Jasper to help us, to help protect our town and our home. Our hearts ache for their family, their loved ones and their comrades.”
Mike Ellis, minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, said bus tours that were to take place Sunday for Jasper residents were being postponed by 24 hours out of respect for those impacted.
“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,” Ellis wrote in a post on X.
“We are working to ensure supports are available for all those working in Jasper during this incredibly difficult time.”
Todd Loewen, minister of Forestry and Parks, was among many Canadians to express their sympathy over social media.
“My heart goes out to the family and friends of this front-line hero who had a[n] unwavering commitment to safeguarding our communities.”
Premier Danielle Smith wrote on X that she was “deeply saddened” by the news of the death.
“Our hearts go out to their family and friends in this incredibly difficult time,” Smith added.
“We are forever grateful for the courageous wildland firefighters who risk their lives every day to protect others.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also offered his condolences in a post on X.
“Heartbroken by the news that a firefighter has lost his life while battling the wildfires in Jasper. He served Albertans with unwavering bravery, and his loss is deeply felt,” Trudeau wrote.
“I’m keeping his family, friends, and his fellow firefighters in my thoughts.”
