Sunday July 30, 2023 | VICTORIA, BC [Updated July 31, 2023]
News analysis by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Another person fighting wildfires in BC has died. The death was announced as happening on Friday July 28.
The 25-year-old man — later identified as Zachery Freeman Muise of Waterford, Ontario — was on assignment from Ontario (as a wildfire worker contracted by BC Wildfire Service) to assist with the wildfires here in BC. That was in the area where wildfire crews are attempting to contain the Donnie Creek fire, in northeast BC — one of the largest in the province this summer season.
According to police, the wildfire fighter was working in a remote area 150 km north of Fort St. John, B.C. when his utility terrain vehicle (UTV) rolled over a sharp drop in a gravel road.
“He was transported by helicopter to the Fort St. John Airport, but sadly succumbed to his injuries while en route,” reads the statement, which says RCMP were first alerted of the death just before 11 am on Friday.
Obituary:
According to an obituary posted online, Muise is survived by his parents, siblings and nieces. “Zak will also be sadly missed by Sue ‘Bamma’ Goble, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends,” the obituary reads.
“Zak was loved by many. We are so grateful for the time we had with him. We are grateful for all first responders. Our hearts go out to all the families of fallen firefighters, first responders, and those left who are still fighting.”
Four wildfire deaths in 2023:
In BC, this is the second death of personnel related fighting wildfires in recent weeks (two on the frontlines, one in an overhead aircraft), in what has been described by the BC Wildfire Service as the ‘worst wildfire season’ to date in BC. The Donnie Creek wildfire is the largest in BC recorded history.
- Most recently, on July 13, was the death of a 19-year-old woman – Devyn Gale — fighting a wildfire in the Revelstoke area.
- A third wildfire death occurred in North West Territories when firefighter Adam Yeadon died on July 15, while fighting a wildfire near Fort Liard, N.W.T.
- And a fourth death occured in Alberta on July 19; pilot Ryan Gould died after his firefighting helicopter crashed near Haig Lake in Alberta.
Friday’s death of the man from Ontario is the fifth linked to BC wildfires in the past 13 years.
Analysis:
This is a high number of workplace fatalities in a short period of time. The importance of containing wildfires — and bringing in personnel (both workers and trainers/advisors) who may not have been fully trained or well-advised — may need to be reviewed.
As this difficult wildfire season continues, does the containment deemed so necessary apply in all cases about protecting wildland, property and people? By all means fight the fight, but are all resources being applied as carefully as possible?
While the work of wildfire management in BC is obviously very important and essential, a massive mechanism for staying on top of as many fires as possible has become instituted in the provincial government apparatus — from people on the frontline, to incident command, to data collection and information management.
This is the first year that requests for attentive water conservation have been delivered from the ministerial level; Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readines, Bowinn Ma, this past week said “every drop counts”, and encourages everyone to conserve water during the current drought (extended from Fall 2022) that is exacerbating wildfire starts.
Forestry Minister’s statement:
On Saturday July 29, Minister of Forests Bruce Ralston released the following statement on the death of a firefighter assisting with response efforts on the Donnie Creek wildfire near Fort St. John:
“I have been informed that a firefighter assisting BC Wildfire Service crews passed away 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. 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.
“We will continue to support our teams through this difficult time. I extend my gratitude to every wildfire crew member in B.C. for continuing to show up and protect us during these times of tremendous loss.”
Premier’s statement:
Premier David Eby released this statement around 2:30 pm yesterday:
Premier’s statement on the death of a wildfire fighter near Fort St. John
VICTORIA – Premier David Eby has released the following statement on the death of a contracted firefighter assisting with response efforts on the Donnie Creek wildfire near Fort St. John:
“I am devastated to learn that we have lost another wildfire fighter. My heart goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of this front-line hero. On behalf of all British Columbians, we grieve this terrible news with you.
“This tragic news, coming so soon after the death of Devyn Gale, has shaken people throughout B.C. and is devastating for so many of those in the woods bravely fighting wildfires right now. Every worker expects and deserves to return home safely to family and friends.
“This wildfire season has been profoundly awful. We are so grateful to this firefighter and all of our firefighters for their daily heroism. This tragic news reminds us yet again of the extraordinary sacrifices they make to keep us safe.
“We will have more to say as details become available.”
===== RELATED:
Three days of rain not enough to reduce drought (July 27, 2023)
BC welcomes 100 wildfire firefighters from Brazil (July 23, 2023)
BC Wildfire Service crew member Devyn Gale has died (July 14, 2023)