Firefighter killed fighting B.C. wildfires identified as Waterford resident

The 25-year-old firefighter who lost his life fighting the wildfires in British Columbia has been identified as Zachary Muise of Waterford.

RCMP say that Muise died while battling the Donnie Creek wildfire in the northeastern part of the province.

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Police say that he was working in a remote area 150 kilometres north of Fort St. John when the heavy duty ATV he was driving rolled over a steep drop on a gravel road.

Officials in B.C. report that Muise was a contracted firefighter working for the wildfire service through a private company in the province.

Muise is the fourth firefighter to lose their life across the country and the second killed in B.C. in the month of July as wildfires rage on.

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His family issued a statement saying they are “devastated by the sudden and tragic loss” of Muise who “loved life and loved what he was doing.”

They say he’ll be missed by his parents, brothers and sisters, and large extended family.

Several provincial politicians have expressed their condolences following the tragedy.

“Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for all of our frontline heroes, for your bravery and selflessness everyday,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said in a social media post.

Similarly, B.C.’s Forests Minister Bruce Ralston said he is “heartbroken that another firefighter was lost protecting our communities and our province.”

I have been informed that a firefighter assisting BC Wildfire Service crews passed away due to injuries sustained while working on the Donnie Creek wildfire. I am heartbroken that another firefighter was lost protecting our communities and our province.
https://t.co/cCsIQi0OZ9

— Bruce Ralston (@BruceRalston) July 29, 2023

Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady extended her sympathies to Muise’s family, confident the community will support them.

“While these are very difficult times, I do find that we are very blessed in small towns, people seem to rally together,” Brady said in an interview with CHCH News.

“We are very blessed that we have folks in our community who will try and provide that comfort.”

A fundraiser has started in his name, with his family suggesting donations to the Canadian Critical Incident Stress Foundation.