Helicopter Pilot Killed in Northwest Territories Wildfire Battle
A tragic incident occurred as a helicopter pilot lost his life while battling a wildfire in the Northwest Territories.
Officials from the Transportation Safety Board reported that a helicopter operated by Great Slave Helicopters crashed at the Fort Good Hope airport on June 28.
The pilot, Tom Frith, passed away while fighting a fire near the community located approximately 800 kilometers northwest of Yellowknife.
Great Slave Helicopters extended their condolences to Mr. Frith’s family and friends in Yellowknife and Australia.
Mike Westwick, a wildfire information officer, stated that the territory’s chief coroner confirmed the death of a contract pilot while protecting Fort Good Hope.
The community of around 500 people has been under an evacuation order since mid-June.
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On July 1, the fire threatening the community had grown to over 82 square kilometers and remains classified as out of control.
A state of local emergency is expected to be in effect until July 13.
