Helicopter pilot helping in wildfire fight killed in crash west of Edmonton
Posted Jun 29, 2021 11:38 am.
EDMONTON – A pilot is dead after a helicopter crash west of Edmonton last night.
Mounties confirmed to 660 NEWS that a 49-year-old man was the only one in the helicopter when it crashed in a remote area near Evansburg.
READ MORE: Mounties at the scene of helicopter crash near community west of Edmonton
The pilot was helping with a forest fire that is about 175 hectares in size.
“They were actually used to transport personnel, so this pilot was actually going into the area looking to pick up some wildfire personnel and bring them out,” explained Fraser Logan with Alberta’s RCMP media relations.
The transportation safety board has taken over the investigation.
We are sad to confirm that one of our contract helicopters crashed yesterday evening while fighting wildfire EWF-075 in the Evansburg area. Our hearts go out to the loved ones of everyone involved. Alberta Wildfire is working with the RCMP and the TSB to investigate the cause. pic.twitter.com/Dqzx3WWXsU
— Alberta Wildfire (@AlbertaWildfire) June 29, 2021
The minister of agriculture and forestry, Devin Dreeshen, issued a statement following the death saying he mourns the life lost in the line of duty and thanks all the first responders for putting themselves in danger to protect Albertans.
“I ask Albertans to do all that they can to prevent wildfires so that our first responders can get home safe,” he added in the statement.
Alberta Wildfire also tweeted, saying it sends condolences to the loved ones of the pilot.
