The federal police in Canada announced yesterday, Sunday, the death of a firefighter while battling a large wildfire that is still out of control in the west of the country.
The man, whose name has not been disclosed immediately and who was 24 years old, became the first casualty of a massive fire near the tourist town of "Jasper" in Alberta province. Last year, a historically bad fire season claimed the lives of eight people.
A statement issued by the Canadian police indicated that the victim, a resident of Calgary in Alberta, sustained serious injuries on Saturday afternoon when a tree fell on him "while fighting a fire northeast of Jasper."
The federal agency, which manages national parks, said the young man was first transported by helicopter and then by air ambulance to the hospital, but his death was announced later.
A joint statement from the agency and the town of "Jasper," published on Facebook, read: "Everyone responding to the Jasper Wildfire is in mourning today for our friend and colleague."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was "heartbroken" by the loss, adding on the social media platform "X" that the young man "served the people of Alberta bravely, and his loss is deeply felt."
Many firefighters honored their fallen comrade on Sunday morning at a vigil in the nearby town of "Hinton."
Regional authorities stated that they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.