BC Wildfire Service crew member dies near Revelstoke while responding to wildfire

VICTORIA — The B.C. government is confirming the death of a firefighter who was responding to a wildfire near Revelstoke.

A statement from Premier David Eby issued late Thursday offers his condolences.

Calling it a “tremendous loss for everyone involved with the BC Wildfire Service at an already challenging time,” the statement goes on to say the tragedy serves as a heartbreaking reminder that firefighters are often putting their lives on the line to keep people and communities safe.

The statement offers condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the unidentified crew member on behalf of all British Columbians.

The death comes as the province puts out a call for national and international help to fight the 350 or so fires burning across B.C.

Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Bowinn Ma says the province has requested 1,000 additional foreign firefighters to join 160 from Mexico and the United States already in B.C., as well as more federal resources.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 14, 2023.

The Canadian Press