By Canadian Press

CP News Alert: Helicopter crashes in Alberta during firefighting operation

Jul 20, 2023 | 10:05 AM

PEACE RIVER, Alta. — The Transportation Safety Board says a helicopter involved in firefighting operations has crashed in northwestern Alberta.

The agency says investigators are heading to the scene.

Spokesman Chris Krepski says an emergency locator transmitter signal was received yesterday at around 6 p.m.

He says the aircraft is in a marshy area northeast of Peace River, Alta.

Krepski says it was operated by Valhalla Helicopters, which declined to comment.

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RCMP were not immediately available to confirm the condition of those on board. CBC says the pilot, the lone person on board, died in the crash.

Todd Loewen, Alberta’s minister of forestry and parks, issued the following statement on Thursday.

“It is with great sadness that I learned about the death of a helicopter pilot who was working on the wildfires in the Peace River Forest Area.

“On behalf of Alberta’s government and all Albertans, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the pilot.

“While we mourn a life lost in the line of duty, Alberta’s brave first responders continue to put themselves in danger every day to protect Alberta families. For that, we thank them.

“Today’s tragic news is a reminder that the heroes who put their lives on the line to protect us are men and women like you and me. They have families, friends, hopes and dreams. 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. We will continue to do all we can to protect and support the wildfire response teams.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 20, 2023.

The Canadian Press