FORT LIARD, Northwest Territories (AP) — A firefighter died while battling a wildfire near his home community in Canada’s Northwest Territories, authorities said Sunday.
Firefighter Adam Yeadon, 25, from Fort Liard, N.W.T., was a member of the Acho Dene Koe band.
The territorial government issued a statement saying the firefighter from Fort Liard died from an injury sustained while battling a nearby blaze Saturday afternoon.
Wildfires raging across Canada have broken records for total area burned and have been affecting air quality in the U.S. and Canada.
Wildfire Information Officer Jessica Davey-Quantick said the firefighter was involved in combatting a blaze that started July 7 in the Fort Liard District and is currently about 26 kilometers (16 miles) southeast of the town.
The death came two days after firefighter Devyn Gale was killed by a falling tree near Revelstoke, British Columbia. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said the 19-year-old woman’s team had lost contact with her before the accident and she was found after a search.
The family of an N.W.T. firefighter who died after being injured on the job this past weekend describes him a smiling, caring person who was passionate about his work in the bush. https://t.co/b4EkmPOWSH
— CBC News (@CBCNews) July 18, 2023
