Trudeau pays tribute to the brave 19-year-olds who died fighting wildfires

Brother described Devin Gale as 'careful, considerate, hardworking'

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid tribute to the brave 19-year-old firefighter who died helping fight the country's worst wildfire season on record.

Devin Gale, who was also a gymnastics student, While working in a remote area near Revelstoke, British Columbia, she was hit by a falling tree.

She was the first firefighter to die in Canada this year, and the first firefighter in British Columbia. since 2015.

Mr Trudeau called the news heartbreaking and expressed his «deepest condolences to her family, friends and fellow firefighters.»

The Prime Minister tweeted:

We must never forget the risk these heroes take every time they run into danger. To the firefighters in British Columbia and around the country who are doing just that to keep us safe: thank you. We are inspired by your courage and grateful for your service.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) July 14, 2023

Officials said a female firefighter was found stranded under a tree after she separated from the rest of her team while clearing a patch of bush.

She was airlifted to hospital but died on Thursday.

Images of the young firefighter have been shared on social media. attentive, hardworking.”

Writing on Instagram, he said she was a «wonderful sister» and thanked her «for everything she has done for me and others, completely out of kindness and no expectation of reciprocity.»

Fueled by drought and hot weather conditions. , Canada is experiencing its worst wildfire season on record, with over 10 million hectares (24.7 million acres) burned this year.

The previous all-time high was in 1989, when 7.3 million hectares land was burned, according to national data from the Canadian Interagency Wildfire Center.

With 365 active fires currently burning, British Columbia has become one of the hardest hit areas. Earlier this week, he issued an appeal for help to another 1,000 international firefighters.

The US, Australia, Spain and France are among 11 countries that have helped send a record 3,200 firefighters to fight the blaze. fires.

Last month, smoke from wildfires in Canada enveloped states on the east coast. Sports events in New York have been canceled and residents have been advised to stay at home due to poor air quality.