A young wildland firefighter from Revelstoke has died. Devyn Gale lost her life while battling a wildfire outside of Revelstoke on Thursday.
In a statement issued Friday, Southeast District RCMP spokesperson Cpl. James Grandy said on Thursday, July 13 at 3:30 p.m., Revelstoke RCMP were notified of a workplace fatality involving a BC wildfire fighter.
“RCMP learned that a 19-year-old female wildland firefighter was working alongside a team clearing a brush within a remote area where a small fire had started. Upon the firefighting team losing contact with their fellow firefighter, the discovered her caught under a fallen Tree. They immediately began first aid.”
Gale was then airlifted to Queen Victoria Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family, friends, and fellow firefighters of this young firefighter who tragically lost her life serving her community,” said Cpl. Grandy. “It is a reminder of the inherent risks first responders face working tirelessly to protect our communities.”
In a statement issued Thursday, the BC General Employees union said it is working to ensure a WorkSafeBC investigation into the incident is thorough, and that Gale’s colleagues have access to all necessary counselling and supports.
“Our hearts and thoughts go out to her family and community, both at home and in the BC Wildfire Service. BC wildland firefighters are renowned for their teamwork and incredible service to our communities. Each and every one is committed to ensuring that their fellow members return from work safely while protecting our resources and our communities. Unfortunately, incidents like today’s remind us all how dangerous this work can be.”
BC Premiere David Eby also issued a statement, calling Gale’s death “a tremendous loss for everyone involved with the BC Wildfire Service at an already challenging time, and our hearts are with them all.”
Gale’s death is the fourth linked to BC wildfires since 2010. In July 2010, airtanker pilots Tim Whitling and Brian Tilley died when their plane went down south of Lytton. In 2015, John Phare was killed while working on a fire North of Vancouver.
A graduate of Revelstoke Secondary School, Gale was a competitive gymnast with the Revelstoke Acrobats, bringing home a silver medal in Level 3 Double Mini at a BC Provincial Cup tournament in 2019. That same year, she participated in the Glacier Adventure Stewardship Program and, along with other students from Revelstoke and Golden, had her work on exhibit at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre. She was also a member of the Revelstoke Aquaducks, taking first place in a Division 4 girls’ competition in Golden in 2017.
Her death is being investigated by the RCMP, BC Coroners Service, WorkSafeBC and the BC Wildfire Service
The Mountaineer has chosen not to reach out to Gale’s family and friends at this time, so that they may have time to grieve. Anyone who would like to share a favourite memory of Devyn Gale can do so by emailing [email protected].
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