Safety measures not followed in death of forest firefighter in British Columbia: WorkSafeBC

Several health and safety violations occurred in the lead-up to the death of a BC Wildfire Service firefighter near Revelstoke in July 2023, according to a WorkSafeBC report.

Devyn Gale, 19, was killed on July 13, 2023, while fighting a wildfire 13 kilometers northwest of Revelstoke when she was struck by a falling “hazardous” tree. She was in her third year as a wildfirefighter.

WorkSafeBC shared its redacted 21-page report with Black Press Media on Wednesday (Aug. 14). The report is dated July 2, 2024. Two other Willdland firefighters were injured while attempting to free Gale, but their names have been redacted.

The report lists numerous factors that contributed to their deaths, including incomplete assessment of tree hazards, ineffective hazard management, failure to follow safe work practices, inadequate supervision, and inadequate orientation and training of young or new employees.

The first attack force

On July 12, 2023, a BC Wildfire Service assessment from a helicopter determined that a first response crew with a faller was required. Three firefighters were flown in initially, with three more arriving shortly thereafter. They were dropped 500 to 600 meters west of the fire, which was on the other side of a very steep ravine covered in dense foliage. One firefighter made it to the other side, where he observed three standing cedar trees burning.

The foreman concluded that additional sawing would be required to clear an access route and the team was later transported back to the base in Revelstoke.

The next day, July 13, the six firefighters were flown to the scene again, with three more joining later. The team found a location closer to the fire line, about 100 meters uphill. They began work at the new location, with the goal of clearing the area of ​​combustibles and cutting down any hazardous trees nearby.

Gale and two other firefighters were flown to the new location, and the faller continued working to improve conditions there.

Of the three cedars we had observed the previous day, one had fallen overnight, one had a large “widow maker” – a dead or broken branch – hanging from it, and the third was visibly burning from the inside and its top had already fallen over.

Two of the firefighters raised concerns and someone suggested establishing a no-work zone around the tree. Part of the report is redacted, but it adds that no hazard assessment of the tree was done after the concerns arose. Some of the firefighters dismissed the concerns, saying cedars are usually very strong and can stand for a long time.

The team decided to remain vigilant and stay away from the cedars if they felt unwell.

About 30 minutes later, a firefighter noticed an increase in fire behavior.

The incident

WorkSafeBC's report said the incident that led to Gale's death was not witnessed, but an investigation determined what happened.

Shortly after the lunch meeting, Gale was using a chainsaw to cut up a fallen tree. When she was 20 to 30 feet from the base of the burning cedar, it fell.

Another firefighter heard a crack coming from Gale's direction and the team began radioing to inform each other. There was no response from Gale. The firefighter who heard the crack received no response from Gale and headed toward where he last saw her working.

He found Gale and “immediate first aid measures were initiated” and an ambulance was called.

WorkSafeBC Results

According to WorkSafeBC, there is “no evidence” that a tree hazard assessment has been conducted. Dangerous trees pose an inherent risk to workers in any forestry operation. They must be identified and the risks controlled.

BC has a training program that outlines a five-step process for safely and effectively assessing and addressing hazardous trees. The steps include removing the entire tree or a hazardous portion, or establishing designated no-work zones.

According to WorkSafeBC, investigators reviewed 16 tree hazard assessments from previous fires at the Columbia Fire Centre, but there was minimal information on how they were suppressed.

Although this section of the report is partially redacted, it states that on the day of the fatal incident, “no no-work zone was posted in the area” and no team member inspected the burning cedar for dangerous trees, allowing firefighters “to work in close proximity to the widowmaker's hazards.”

The only hazard mitigation instruction was to avoid a forward approach.

The report further states that despite reporting the dangers of burning cedar, “no action was taken to eliminate or mitigate the risks,” in violation of legal requirements and procedures.

Some of the nine-person first responder were also young or new wildfire firefighters. WorkSafeBC said there was no evidence that young and new workers had received health and safety training.

“This may be because (BC Wildfire Service) failed to document such training, failed to retain documentation of the training, or failed to provide the required orientation and training.”

WorkSafeBC also identified six violations of the Workplace Health and Safety Act, including failure to provide adequate information, instruction, training and supervision to workers to ensure their safety.

Government response, BC Wildfire Service

In an emailed statement, Rob Schweitzer, deputy minister of the BC Wildfire Service, said “immediate and concrete actions” have been taken to improve safety and training at the BC Wildfire Service, including “tailored” training to raise awareness of dangerous trees.

“We also recognize that there are changes that require long-term solutions. We have implemented changes that include converting crew supervisors to year-round positions, improving hiring and recruitment, and supporting research partnerships to improve physical and mental health and safety.”

Schweitzer added that Gale's death still has a “profound impact” on the organization.

“There are many risks associated with fighting wildfires and I am committed to building a culture of safety within the BC Wildfire Service to reduce risks wherever possible and ensure the safety of our members.”

Premier David Eby said it was “absolutely obvious, given Devyn's death, that something had gone tragically wrong at the construction site.”

“There is no doubt that people who volunteer for wildland fire service are taking on an inherently risky and difficult job, but it should never be risky or dangerous due to a lack of training, because the concerns someone raised about safety were not addressed in the way they should have been.”

Eby added that he promised Gale's family that her death was not in vain, “that we will learn from this and make sure people are safe at work.”

Forestry Minister Bruce Ralston, whose ministry is responsible for the BC Wildfire Service, said the ministry is taking action based on all of the report's findings.

“Over the past year, we have been working to improve wildfire response in British Columbia. We started by supporting the people working tirelessly on the front lines and by taking steps to keep them safe.

“Fighting wildfires every day takes its toll, both physically and mentally. That's why we're increasing personal protective equipment, improving training opportunities, improving recruitment and improving access to physical and mental health supports.”