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A 61-year-old man was killed on Sunday while working to help firefighting efforts near a former Sechelt mine site.
Approximate location of the Old Sechelt Mine Fire. (Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service/MapQuest)
Sunshine Coast RCMP and BC Ambulance Service responded to the fatal workplace incident soon after 12 p.m. on Sunday, July 5th at the wildfire in the area. There, they found that a 61-year-old tree-faller from Gibsons had been killed while assisting firefighting efforts.
“This is a tragic example of how truly dangerous it is for those battling these wildfires, and should serve as a reminder of just how important it is for us all to do our best to prevent these fires from starting in the first place,” said Constable Harrison Mohr with Sunshine Coast RCMP. “We are fortunate to have such brave men and women working to protect our homes and communities.”
View of the Old Sechelt Mine fire on Thursday, July 2nd. (Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service)
“We sign off with heavy hearts tonight,” said BC Wildfire Service on Sunday. “We were saddened to learn that a contract tree faller working with us on the Old Sechelt Mine fire suffered a fatal injury while felling a danger tree earlier today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends, family and co-workers.”
Both Worksafe BC and the BC Coroner’s Service are investigating the incident.
The Old Sechelt Mine fire is an estimated 80 hectares in size and 40 per cent contained. An Evacuation Alert has been issued for 18 seasonal homes in the area.
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