BC NEWS

Friday, July 14, 2023 | 6:22 am. Last updated on July 14, 2023.

UPDATE – On July 13th, 2023, at 3:30 p.m., the Revelstoke RCMP were notified of a workplace fatality involving a BC Wildfire Service firefighter.

RCMP learned that a 19-year-old female wildland firefighter was working alongside a team clearing brush within a remote area where a small fire had started. Upon the firefighting team losing contact with their fellow firefighter, they discovered her caught under a fallen tree. They immediately began first aid.

The firefighter was airlifted to the Queen Victoria Hospital, where she had succumbed to her injuries.

The events surrounding her death are being actively investigated by the RCMP, BC Coroners Service, WorkSafeBC and the BC Wildfire Service.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family, friends, and fellow firefighters of this young firefighter who tragically lost her life serving her community”, says Cpl. James Grandy, Southeast District RCMP spokesperson. “It’s a reminder of the inherent risks first responders face working tirelessly to protect our communities.”

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A BCWS firefighter has died while working on a wildfire near Revelstoke on Thursday…

The BCGEU sent out a message Thursday evening on Twitter saying the union and the BCWS is mourning the loss of a female wildland firefighter. Below is the message from the BCGEU. Details on how the firefighter lost her life have not been released.

The worker has been identified as Devyn Gale.

“It is with heavy hearts that our union mourns the loss of one of our BCGEU family who lost her life today fighting a wildfire outside of Revelstoke.

Our hearts and thoughts go out to her family and community, both at home and in the BC Wildfire Service.

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.

As a union, we are committed to making occupational health and safety the highest priority in our worksites. 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.”

From the BCGEU