Wildfire fighter in Northwest Territories dead after suffering injury battling blaze

A wildfire fighter who was injured battling a blaze in the Fort Liard District, N.W.T, has died, government officials confirmed on Sunday.

The firefighter, also from Fort Liard, died after he was injured battling a blaze on Saturday, wildfire information officer Jessica Davey-Quantick said in a statement.

"Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and community. We share your deep sorrow at this loss," said Davey-Quantick.

"We send our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy, including wildfire personnel who are committed to protecting their communities and the residents of the N.W.T."

The fire was caused by lightning, according to the N.W.T. government's website, was caused by lightning. It's located about 26 kilometres southeast of Fort Liard, about eight kilometres west of Highway 7 and is approximately 10 hectares in size.

"Though smoke may be visible in the area, it is not currently a threat to Fort Liard," the territorial government said.

The N.W.T. government said it will not be identifying the wildfire fighter at this time as it notifies his family. It said Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the province's coroner's office have been contacted.

The area where the death happened is about 37 kilometres north of the British Columbia border, where residents have been grappling with a lack of rain, record-breaking temperatures in some areas and a record-breaking wildfire season.

In N.W.T., where wildfires have also gripped the area and even temporarily displaced community members from their homes, public parks have been put under a fire ban as a result of extremely dry weather conditions. As of Sunday afternoon, there are 89 active wildfires across the territory.

In a statement Sunday afternoon, N.W.T. Environment and Climate Change Minister Shane Thompson said he was "deeply saddened" to hear of the wildfire fighter's death.

"This has already been a very challenging season for N.W.T. firefighters, with wildfires starting earlier than normal and within reach of our communities and other critical infrastructure," said Thompson.

"Firefighters across the territory have my utmost respect for their continued efforts to protect our homes and our communities while facing such extreme conditions."

The wildfire fighter is the second this past week to die in the line of duty in Canada. On Thursday, B.C. wildfire fighter Devyn Gale died after she was hit by a falling tree while fighting a blaze.