‘A tremendous loss’: Firefighter loses life while battling raging BC wildfires

As fires continue to rage across the province amid unprecedented drought conditions, one brave BC Wildfire Service crew member has lost her life trying to suppress the flames. 

While fighting one of many wildfires around Revelstoke, 19-year-old wildfire fighter Devyn Gale lost her life while on the job, according to the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU).

Revelstoke RCMP say she was working with a small crew clearing brush in a remote area. She was separated from her group who later found her caught beneath a fallen tree.

Police say her crew gave immediate first aid and Gale was airlifted to a nearby hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.

“We are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic incident involving a BC Wildfire Service firefighter,” said Premier David Eby in a statement on Friday, July 14th. “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 BC 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,” the premier added. 

At the time of this publication, there are 363 active wildfires throughout the province. 

In addition to the number of wildfires, the province is presently facing one of the worst droughts it has seen in years with 22 out of 34 water basins experiencing a Level 4 or 5 drought condition.

Both east and west Vancouver Island are experiencing Level 5 drought conditions which is the most severe on the provincial drought scale. 

The province is pleading with all regions experiencing drought to begin water conservation efforts; however, the Capital Regional District has yet to limit Greater Victoria’s water consumption levels past a ‘Stage 1’ on their water schedule. 

There are presently four wildfires on Vancouver Island. Three of those are ‘under control’ but not completely extinguished.

The Newcastle Creek wildfire which is just six kilometres from the community of Sayward has grown to 330 hectares in size but the BC Wildfire Service has labeled it as ‘being held’.

In efforts to deter people from using campfires, which have been banned by the province until the summer is over, significant fines are being handed out to those who do not comply with the ban. 

Last weekend alone, the BC Conservation Officer Service handed out eight fines for unlawful campfires totalling $9,200 in fines.