Friday July 14, 2023 | VICTORIA, BC [Updated July 15, 2023]
News insights by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends | Our sincere condolences to Devyn’s family and BCGEU family.
Late last night the death of a BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) crew member was announced by the BC Government.
This has already been called one of the most serious wildfire seasons in BC history, but this takes it to a whole new level. When workers protect others through sacrifice on the front line, it should make everyone take pause.
This firefighter was a young woman — just 19 years old — doing her job on the front lines. She was a crew member was one of about 2,000 wildfire fighters currently battling more than 350 fires across BC.
Devyn Gale was part of a crew that was battling a wildfire outside of Revelstoke — a community in BC’s southeastern interior, about 150 kilometres west of the Alberta border — said the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU), which represents the approximately 1,600 wildfire fighters employed in BC each year.
Gale was found by team mates in an area where brush was being cleared. She was found pinned under a tree that had fallen.
Gale’s death has impacted many people across the country. BC’s premier was visibly emotional when he commented on the young woman’s death.
RCMP, WorkSafeBC and BCGEU:
RCMP and WorkSafeBC are investigating the death, a BCWS spokesperson wrote in an emailed statement.
BCGEU is expected to issue a formal statement today. Late last night BCGEU identified the deceased worker by name as Devyn Gale.
On Twitter last night, BCGEU posted: “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.” Further, a BCGEU July 13, 2023 news release states:
“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.”
Everyone’s responsibility to conserve water during drought:
It’s very sad that a young woman firefighter has lost her life on the BC wildfire front lines.
Hopefully everyone conserves water during this summer drought (as requested by the Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness this week), observes campfire bans (now province-wide), and makes smart choices about any action that might contribute to fire (e.g. perhaps not use equipment that can produce sparks in dry areas).
Premier’s statement:
This afternoon, Premier David Eby said the lost firefighter “obviously loved the outdoors” and was a “bright light” who had her whole life ahead of her. Addressing media from Vancouver this afternoon, Eby noted that this is the first BC wildfire crew death in a long while. (There have been three other wildfire-related deaths since 2010… two of which were pilots in a water bomber aircraft that crashed.)
Earlier today, Premier Eby released the following statement on the death of a BC Wildfire Service crew member responding to a wildfire near Revelstoke:
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic incident involving a BC Wildfire Service firefighter. On behalf of all British Columbians, we extend our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of this crew member.
“Day in and day out during wildfire season, our firefighting crews go to heroic lengths to keep people and communities in B.C. safe. This tragedy serves as a heartbreaking reminder that they are often putting their lives on the line to do so.
“This is a tremendous loss for everyone involved with the BC Wildfire Service at an already challenging time, and our hearts are with them all.”
Forestry Minister’s statement:
On July 14, Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests, has released the following statement on the death of the BC Wildfire Service crew member responding to a wildfire near Revelstoke:
“On behalf of all Ministry of Forests staff, especially our colleagues in the BC Wildfire Service, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family of this crew member and everyone affected by this tragedy. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with them through this time of grieving.
“This tragic loss in the line of duty reminds us all of the daily toil and sacrifice of BC Wildfire Service firefighters as they serve the people of British Columbia. Their heroic efforts to protect people and communities can be life-threatening. We are profoundly grateful to them.
“I know the BC Wildfire Service is a close-knit team and this loss is felt deeply. We are here to support them in this difficult time. Let us all do our part to prevent wildfires and think of these brave firefighters as they continue to battle what is becoming a very challenging wildfire season.”
Federal NDP comment:
As posted on Twitter by NDP House Leader Peter Julian, MP for New Westminster-Burnaby (on July 15, 2023): “My sincerest condolences to the family, friends & #Revelstoke #IAFF Local 1746 members for the lost of Devyn Gale, just 19 years old. Devyn was hit by a fallen tree while she responded to a forest fire call. She paid the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of her community. Thank you, Devyn, for your service to your community and to Canada. You will be deeply missed.”
Ongoing impact:
Devyn Gale’s death during service to fight a wildfire seems to have had a strong impact on firefighters, government leaders, public service workers, and families. At 19, it seems so unfortunate. Everyone in BC should be grateful for such service.
Memorial service: [Updated July 22, 2023]
A memorial service for Devyn Gale was held in Revelstoke on July 22, 2023.
===== RELATED:
Premier Eby asks everyone to conserve water (July 13, 2023)
CRD not increasing summer water restrictions past Stage 1 (July 11, 2023)
Being responsible: call-in about wildfires (July 5, 2023)
Rain in June will shape remainder of 2023 wildfire season (May 16, 2023)