A Waterford firefighter who went west to help battle the wildfires in British Columbia has died at the site of the Donnie Creek wildfire
Zachery (Zak) Freeman Muise, 25, took a contracted job with the BC Wildfire Service and was working in a remote area north of Fort St. John. Police said his utility terrain vehicle rolled over a drop in the road.
“Norfolk County is saddened by the loss of this brave firefighter,” said Norfolk Mayor Amy Martin in a news release.
“Mr. Muise was helping to keep Canadians safe by battling western wildfires. We owe this courageous man our deepest gratitude.”
The release also said the Norfolk County council and staff wanted to offer sincere condolences to Muise’s family, friends and colleagues.
Muise is the second recorded death in BC’s 2023 wildfire season: a teen named Devyn Gale died on July 13.
Muise died on July 28 as he was being flown to Fort St. John airport, according to the RCMP.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of this young man, as well as to his fellow firefighters,” said an RCMP release.
David Eby, the BC Premier, also issued a statement about Muise’s death, saying he’s “heartbroken that another firefighter was lost protecting our communities and our province during this devastating wildfire season.”
The Donnie Creek wildfire is now the largest every in BC’s recorded history.
Eby noted that many in the firefighting community as still grieving with the loss of Gale, who died earlier in the month.
Premier Doug Ford tweeted on Sunday: “Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for all of our front-line heroes, for your bravery and selflessness every day.”
Muise’s name was not released over the weekend out of respect for his family.
His death will be investigated by WorkSafeBC and the BC Coroners Service.
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