The Calgarian firefighter who died on Saturday while battling a blaze outside Jasper was honoured by his colleagues and prominent figures from across the country.
Hundreds of firefighters framed the highway cutting through Hinton on Sunday as a funeral procession carried the remains of their colleague.
Meanwhile, condolences kept pouring in from across the political spectrum, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Danielle Smith sharing heartfelt posts about the demise of the 24-year-old firefighter, who has not been publicly identified.
James Eastham, the media spokesperson for Parks Canada, said in an emailed statement the firefighter was struck by a tree at approximately 2 p.m. while working on a section of the Jasper Wildfire Complex. Crews rushed to provide first-aid and then wheeled him to the nearest helipad.
Their injured colleague was flown to the Parks Canada Operations Compound in Jasper where an air ambulance had been waiting. However, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead soon after his transfer to the ambulance.
“This incident highlights the dangerous nature of wildland firefighting and the hazards that crew members encounter every day,” the statement read.
“Every single person responding to the Jasper Wildfire Complex is in mourning today for our friend and colleague . . . We are eternally grateful for the personal sacrifices first responders offer to protect Canadians and their communities.”
The firefighter was remembered in Sunday’s afternoon update on wildfires in Alberta.
“As a father, grandfather, the loss of a young firefighter is hard to bear,” Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen said during the virtual news conference.
“I know that I speak unanimously from my caucus colleagues in sending heartfelt sympathies to this courageous young man’s family and friends. I want to recognize his unwavering commitment to protecting our communities — this will never be forgotten.”
In honour of the late firefighter, the province postponed bus tours to Jasper for evacuees by a day, said Joe Zatylny, deputy managing director for the Alberta Emergency Management Agency.
“We are planning for several buses to go through the town site each day, as long as we can ensure conditions are safe enough,” Zatylny said.
Wildfire danger ‘still extreme’ in southern Alberta
There are currently 120 wildfires raging in the forest protection area of Alberta — 16 are out of control, 46 are being held and 57 are under control.
“The wildfire danger is still extreme in the south of the province, but we are anticipating some rain over the next couple of days,” said Christie Tucker, information unit manager at Alberta Wildfire.
The Central Peace Regional Emergency Management on Saturday issued an evacuation order for all residents and visitors south of Township Road 790, between Range Road 103 and Range Road 111, south of the road for 10 kilometres. An evacuation alert has also been issued for the area south of Highway 49, between Range Road 102 and Range Road 111.
Zatylny said the development is evolving, but so far 12 residences have been impacted.
As a result, an evacuation center has been set up at the Gordon Dale Hall, located on Range Road 105 south of Highway 49.
He added residents should take important documentation, medications, medical equipment and any necessary items for up to 72 hours with them.
Meanwhile, residents of Chipewyan Lake in the municipal district of Opportunity No. 17 have moved back home, and the Little Red River Cree Nation is planning for the return of its residents to their homes on Monday.
“It’s important for Albertans to remember that returning home does not mean the wildfire season is over or the threat of wildfire is typically gone,” Zatylny added. “Evacuation alerts and orders can happen at any time, and being prepared to leave on short notice is critical.”
Zatylny also said the intensifying conflagrations were factored into the decision to cancel bus tours to Jasper on Sunday, but they would have been postponed regardless of the fires.
So far, 120 families have registered for such tours, he added, which comprise stops for refreshments and mental health support from specialists travelling in the vehicle.
Evacuees can register for such tours by heading to alberta.ca/emergency online.