Helicopter pilot killed in crash while fighting wildfire in Alberta

There were no other personnel on board

The pilot of a helicopter that crashed while fighting a fire in Alberta, Canada was killed when the Bell 212 went down Monday evening. It occurred on a fire near the community of Evansburg. The body of the pilot, the only person on board, was recovered Monday.

The pilot’s family has been notified.

From CBC news:

Emergency crews were called to the scene around 6:30 p.m. after RCMP received a 911 call reporting the crash. Evansburg RCMP, EMS, firefighters and Alberta Wildfire responded to the site in a remote area west of Highway 22 and north of Highway 16 in Yellowhead County.

The location is not accessible by road and police were brought to the scene by aircraft.

Logan said the terrain of the remote crash site was “difficult” but witness accounts helped first responders narrow their search for the wreckage.

“It wasn’t an exhaustive search because many eyewitnesses saw the helicopter go down,” Fraser said.

RCMP are cooperating with Transportation Safety Board (TSB) investigators who are taking charge of the investigation, Logan said.

Our sincere condolences go out to the pilot’s family, friends, and co-workers.

Thanks and a tip of the hat go out to Matthew.

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.

3 thoughts on “Helicopter pilot killed in crash while fighting wildfire in Alberta”

  1. “Under control” does not mean there is no helicopter activity. Even after a fire is completely out, helicopters are used for backhaul of equipment, mapping, etc.

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  2. We thought that wildfire out west of Evansburg ,Alberta was all under control last week when it was burning? They had reported that it was all under control??

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