Falling tree fatally injures Alberta firefighter battling Jasper-area wildfire

A 24-year-old Calgary man is dead after being injured by a falling tree while fighting a wildfire northeast of Jasper, Alta. 

According to the Jasper Wildfire Complex Unified Command, which is comprised of members of both Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper, it happened around 2 p.m. MT Saturday.

The firefighter's crew provided first aid before Jasper National Park visitor safety specialists and the Alberta Wildfire unit used a wheeled stretcher to bring the 24-year-old firefighter to the nearest helipad, the unified command group said in a statement.

From there, he was flown to the Parks Canada operations compound in Jasper, where STARS air ambulance was waiting. 

"Tragically, despite efforts of the first responders and STARS air ambulance team specialists, the injured firefighter did not survive and was pronounced deceased shortly after transfer to STARS," officials said.

Procession held

The man — whom RCMP say was part of the Rocky Mountain House Fire Base — was among hundreds of firefighters who are in Alberta to fight the massive wildfires affecting the province.

Crews with Alberta Wildfire held a procession for the 24-year-old Sunday morning, lining up on either side of a roadway outside of Jasper to pay their respects as emergency vehicles drove by.

"Today we are mourning the loss of one of our own. An Alberta Wildfire crew member was fatally injured yesterday while responding to the wildfire in Jasper. This morning we stood heartbroken with our partners as a procession passed by," the provincial agency said in a social media post.

Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis said in a statement that the bus tours that were supposed to take place Sunday for Jasper residents to see the destruction in the town have been postponed by 24 hours "out of respect for the family, crew and all those impacted by this tragedy."

He said residents who had signed up for the tours were notified of the cancellation Saturday night. 

"We are working to ensure supports are available for all those working in Jasper during this incredibly difficult time," Ellis said.

Starting Monday, officials say the Yellowhead Highway — also known as Highway 16 — will open daily during limited times to allow evacuated Jasper residents located in B.C. to travel back into Alberta. There are RCMP escorted trips expected to take place at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and residents are advised to travel straight to Edmonton as there are limited services in Hinton, Alta., where many emergency crews are stationed.

Residents wanting to participate can make their way toward the entry into the closure area to lineup in their vehicles, but will not be allowed to stop along the way, so are advised to have a full tank of gas.

700 firefighters battling the blaze

In a statement to CBC News, Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek expressed her sorrow over the firefighter's death.

"My heart is with the family and friends of the wildland firefighter who tragically lost his life while serving community in the Jasper wildfire. Calgarians grieve with those in the Rocky Mountain House Fire Base," she said.

Alberta's Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen said in a social media post on X that he was devastated by the news. 

"My heart goes out to the family and friends of this front-line hero who had a unwavering commitment to safeguarding our communities," he said. 

"Our deepest condolences also go to his fire-line crew, the 700-person strong team working in Jasper and the larger Alberta Wildfire community. I know all of you have been deeply impacted by this loss. On behalf of all Albertans, we grieve this terrible news with you."

Politicians of all stripes send condolences

"We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of an Alberta wildland firefighter who gave their life today to protect our community. This dedicated person travelled to Jasper to help us, to help protect our town and our home," Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland said in a statement.

Premier Danielle Smith said on X Sunday morning she is deeply saddened about the death of the 24-year-old.

"We are forever grateful for the courageous wildland firefighters who risk their lives every day to protect others," she said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also released a statement about the firefighter's death.

"He served Albertans with unwavering bravery, and his loss is deeply felt," he said. "I'm keeping his family, friends, and his fellow firefighters in my thoughts."

1st wildland firefighter death this season 

RCMP say Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety is investigating the death — the first of the season for wildland firefighters.

Falling trees can be extremely dangerous when battling against wildfires.

It's been a year since Devyn Gale was killed by a cedar tree that fell on the 19-year-old while she was fighting a wildfire outside of Revelstoke, B.C. She was among four wildland firefighters killed in last year's record wildfire season.

The Jasper unified command statement said Saturday's incident highlights the dangerous nature of wildland firefighting and the hazards that crew members encounter every day.

"Every single person responding to the Jasper Wildfire Complex is in mourning today for our friend and colleague. The wildland fire community is small and every loss deeply impacts us all," read the statement.

"We are eternally grateful for the personal sacrifices first responders offer to protect Canadians and their communities. Our hearts are with their family and friends in this difficult time."