Lives Of 4 Firefighters Heading Home After Battling B.C. Wildfires Lost In Vehicle Crash

Premier David Eby and Forests Minister Bruce Ralston releasing a statement yesterday after news of the deaths of four firefighters, killed in a crash near Cache Creek, driving home from work.

“Tragically, the four individuals have been identified as BC Wildfire Service sub-contractors who were traveling home from assisting with fire suppression efforts,” Corporal James Grandy, spokesperson for the BC RCMP Southeast District.

The four were assisting with response efforts near Vanderhoof when the vehicle they were travelling in crossed a line at a curve and struck a tractor trailer. The driver of the semi was the only survivor of the crash.

Eby and Ralston said it is devastating news in what has been an immensely difficult wildfire season. Their statement said they stand with wildfire fighters and all BC Wildfire Service personnel as they mourn the death of colleagues and co-workers yet again.

The statement ended stating, “Firefighters are on the front lines in so many parts of B.C., creating hope from despair and working tirelessly to save lives and livelihoods. Words cannot express the depth of our gratitude.”

The deaths bring to six the number of firefighters who have died this wildfire season in the province.

Twenty-five-year-old Zak Muise died in a vehicle accident while fighting a massive fire in northern B.C., and 19-year-old Devyn Gale was killed by a falling tree near Revelstoke.