B.C. wildfire fighter dies while on frontlines of largest fire in province’s history | CBC News

A wildfire fighter in B.C. died while responding to the Donnie Creek wildfire in northeast B.C., according to Premier David Eby.

It’s the second firefighter death on the frontlines during the 2023 wildfire season in the province, following the death of teenager Devyn Gale on July 13.

The exact cause of death was not released, nor was the gender or age of the firefighter.

Eby issued a statement over the death on Saturday afternoon, which said the firefighter died due to injuries sustained while working on the Donnie Creek wildfire.

“I am heartbroken that another firefighter was lost protecting our communities and our province during this devastating wildfire season,” it read.

“My deepest sympathies are with their family and friends, as well as their colleagues and the broader wildfire community — many of whom I know are still coping with the tragic loss of a colleague earlier this month.”

The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) told CBC News in a statement that RCMP and WorkSafeBC are investigating the fatality, which happened on Friday.

The firefighter’s identity has not been released, with the BCWS saying its primary concern was the privacy of their family.

More to come.