BC Workers’ Agency Recognized Tree as a Hazard Prior to Firefighter’s Tragic Death
A report from British Columbia’s worker safety agency indicates that the potential hazards of a burning cedar tree were recognized but not addressed before it toppled, resulting in the death of a young wildland firefighter and injuring two others during the previous summer.
WorkSafeBC’s 21-page incident investigation report highlighted deficiencies in hazard management, inadequate supervision, training, and orientation for young workers, unsafe work procedures, and normalized risk.
In July of last year, nineteen-year-old Devyn Gale lost her life when a burning tree struck her while she was battling a wildfire northeast of Revelstoke.
The report, dated July 2, 2024, stated, “Even though the hazard of the burning cedar was reported, no actions were taken to eliminate or mitigate the risks. This goes against regulatory requirements, as well as the procedures outlined in the Wildlife/Dangerous Tree Assessor Course, the fire crew training standard, and BC Wildfire Service’s safe work procedures.”
Firefighters near Gale heard a loud cracking noise resembling a falling tree, but their attempts to reach her went unanswered. Upon investigating, they found Gale on the ground with fatal injuries.
On Wednesday, Premier David Eby announced that he instructed the BC Wildfire Service to implement the reforms identified in the WorkSafeBC report as safety failures contributing to Gale’s death on July 13, 2023.
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Eby emphasized the need for corrective actions to ensure workers are adequately supported and trained to prevent future injuries and fatalities.
During an unrelated news conference, Eby stated that significant changes have been implemented, particularly focusing on ensuring young firefighters are properly protected.
Last year, Eby attended Gale’s funeral in Revelstoke, where hundreds of city residents paid tribute to BC Wildfire firefighters and first responders in a memorial procession.
According to the WorkSafeBC findings, obtained by CBC through a freedom of information request, there was no evidence of a dangerous tree assessment conducted on the burning cedar tree site prior to the workers’ activities.
The report identified six violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and B.C. Wildfire Service regulations, including the failure to provide workers with adequate safety information, instruction, training, and supervision, as well as inadequate planning for tree bucking activities.
WorkSafeBC’s mission is to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities while supporting injured workers through fair compensation and effective rehabilitation.
