UPDATE #2: Peace River RCMP says it first got a report of a missing helicopter and pilot at 6:58 p.m. Wednesday. The crash site was located at 8 p.m. and officers were flown to the area near Haig Lake.
At that time, it’s reported forestry workers were doing CPR on the pilot, who was taken to the Peace River Airport where he was declared dead.
UPDATE: RCMP has confirmed the helicopter’s pilot has died. The 41-year-old Whitecourt man is the third person in Canada to die fighting wildfires this year.
He was the only person on board the aircraft. Premiere Danielle Smith has offered her condolences on behalf of all Albertans.
“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the brave men and women who are working every day to keep our province safe on the frontlines.”
Central Peace Notley MLA and Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen echoed the provincial leader’s sentiments, saying “this is a reminder the first responders who put their lives on the line, while heroes, are “men and women like you and me.”
“They have families, friends, hopes and dreams,” he adds. “To see a life cut short in these circumstances is incredibly heartbreaking, and Alberta’s government is incredibly thankful for those who continue to protect our communities from these devastating fires.”
Loewen says the province will continue to do what it can to protect and support the wildfire response teams in the area.
The Transportation Safety Board is investigating a crash involving a helicopter during firefighting operations near Peace River. Media Relations Specialist Chris Krepski says it happened roughly 43 nautical miles east-northeast of the town near Haig Lake.
The crash was reported around 6:15 p.m. Wednesday night and two investigators were sent out Thursday morning. The aircraft is a Bell 205A operated by Valhalla Helicopters.
There is no word yet from the RCMP on the condition of anyone on board.
