Few details have been released by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry regarding the death of an Alberta man while battling a wild fire in northwestern Ontario.
Officials with the Kehewin Cree First Nation, north of Edmonton, say Jerry Gadwa died on Thursday as he was helping in fire suppression efforts near Red Lake.
The First Nation says he was a 20-year veteran fire fighter.
Regionally, not much is being said.
Ontario Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Jeff Yurek has released a statement saying “I have learned that an Alberta wildland firefighter assisting our response to wildfires in northwestern Ontario has died.
Our hearts go out to his family and friends back home, to his crew members and to all the Alberta firefighters who are helping to keep Ontarians safe.”
Yurek goes on to say “these brave men and women are working around the clock to help fight these fires. It’s dangerous and hard work-they are our first line of defence and they step up each and every time. We’re grateful for their efforts and their sacrifices, and for reminding us that we’re never stronger than when we work together.”
He adds “Ontario is fortunate to have fire crews from Mexico to Minnesota; from British Columbia to Prince Edward Island helping to fight the fires burning in northern and central Ontario, alongside our law enforcements, municipalities, Indigenous communities and emergency staff.”
No other details are being released.
Officials with the Kehewin Cree First Nation indicate that the MNRF and the Ministry of Labour are investigating.
Gadwa is reportedly in his late 40’s and leaves behind a 10-year-old son.
(Picture: Facebook)
