Tragic deaths from wildfires raise urgent safety questions

Safety concerns among wildfire fighters are increasing, and tragic incidents involving young people dying while fighting fires have reinforced this trend.

A recent case occurred on July 28, 2023, when 25-year-old Zak Muise lost his life after the Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) he was driving overturned while he was working on the Donnie Creek wildfire in northeastern British Columbia.

Originally from Waterford, Ontario, Muise was described by many as “beloved by many.” He leaves behind his family, including his parents and five siblings.

A detailed report by WorkSafeBC, released after his death, revealed serious failings in the BC Wildfire Service, citing inadequate oversight and safety measures.

The report noted that Muise was not wearing a helmet and the UTV was equipped with a damaged restraint net, both of which constituted a violation of safety protocols.

The investigation focused on UTVs, which are often used to transport equipment through rough terrain. The report pointed to a lack of adequate safety measures and inspections.

Muise was working for contractor Big Cat Wildfire at the time and the accident occurred while he was trying to avoid another vehicle on the road.

According to the report, the UTV drove down a slope with a four-meter-deep drop, which had disastrous consequences when the driver realized it too late and was unable to stop the vehicle.

Unfortunately, the vehicle had a design defect at the time of the rollover, as the restraint net on the passenger side was not sufficiently secured and lost its effectiveness due to previous damage.

Under existing regulations, the BC Wildfire Service was required to enforce protocols to ensure the safety of all workers, which were clearly not being followed at the time of the incident.

The report noted that the BC Wildfire Service's off-road vehicle training program did not include UTV training.

Murise's case is far from an isolated one. Another glaring example of safety negligence was brought to light by the death of 19-year-old wildfire firefighter Devyn Gale, which brought to light several safety failings within the organization.

Regulations require workers to wear helmets approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. There were three of these on site, but they went unused during Muise's tragic final ride.

WorkSafeBC reiterated that the lack of pre-inspection protocols for UTVs likely resulted in several overlooked safety vulnerabilities.

This incident has sparked serious discussion about the BC Wildfire Service's safety protocols and operating policies.

Bruce Ralston, British Columbia's Minister of Forestry, stressed that safety is the main focus of firefighters' operations. He pledged to increase protective equipment and expand training for all personnel.

Despite these commitments, many in the fire service community remain skeptical, doubting that the promises will translate into real change and improved safety.

In particular, following the deaths of several firefighters, stakeholders are calling for immediate reforms to wildland firefighting systems and asking: Can current systems adequately protect those working on the front lines?

Across Canada, concerns about firefighter safety are being addressed through urgent dialogues, while families demand justice and reassurances from government agencies.

Similar problems emerged, for example, in connection with the tragic death of Skyler Blackie, another firefighter who had identified safety problems before his untimely passing.

Blackie, 28, died in March 2019 after using an expired and rusty fire extinguisher during training.

His family learned that he had informed his instructor of the questionable condition of the fire extinguisher but had instructed him to use it anyway, raising suspicions of inadequate safety practices in training environments.

The Nova Scotia Fire Academy eventually admitted that it had failed to conduct routine inspections and effectively manage safety records.

As a result of pressure from Blackie's family and the subsequent investigation, the school received 41 new safety recommendations to address the risks identified.

Jessica Gillis, Blackie's sister, expressed her outrage with the words “This should never have happened – ever,” emphasizing the senselessness of such tragedies.

Not only were security checks failed, the incident also brought to light questionable practices related to device management in training organizations.

Occupational health and safety officials noted that there are numerous “high-risk activities” at the school and the ministry is working to incorporate compliance with these regulations into emergency management protocols.

The grim reality these families experience underscores the significant risks facing fire departments across the country and sparks broader discussions about safety culture.

Both the Muise and Blackie incidents underscore the urgent need for systematic reform, particularly in how fire safety officers address and maintain safety practices.

Families of deceased firefighters are demanding accountability and urging all training facilities and departments to review their safety protocols.

Tragic deaths from wildfires raise urgent safety questions

You may also like...

Recent Posts

Tragic deaths from wildfires raise urgent safety questions

You may also like...

World premiere of the series “Return to Paradise” on ABC TV and the streaming service ABC iview in Australia

PTA member voices support after teacher charged in fentanyl-related death

Dax closes trading barely changed after record

Recent Posts