A WorkSafeBC report on the death of a BC Wildfire Service member has identified multiple violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Devyn Gale, 19, was killed on July 13, 2023, when a burning cedar tree collapsed on her near Revelstoke.
The partially redacted report found that two other firefighters had raised concerns about the burning cedar before the incident.
However, despite these concerns being raised, the tree was not assessed and workers were only told to use a “heads-up” approach and stay away if they felt uncomfortable.
“Shortly after the lunchtime briefing, at approximately 13:30, Firefighter 1 (Gale) was bucking a downed tree (cutting it into logs) using a chainsaw, working progressively toward the burning cedar. When Firefighter 1 was approximately 6 to 9 metres from the base of the burning cedar, it fell down,” the report states.
Another firefighter working nearby did not see the tree fall but heard a “loud cracking noise,” the report reads.
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The firefighters began radioing in to check on each other and when there was no response from Gale, another firefighter worked his way over to where she was last seen.
First aid efforts were immediately administered and a medevac was called but Gale did not survive her injuries.
The report found that there is no evidence that a dangerous tree assessment had been completed on the burning cedar at the site before the workers began their work.
WorkSafeBC says “this was an ineffective and inadequate means of managing that hazard” that does not align with safety procedures.
The report also identified gaps in the supervision of dangerous tree assessments and the training of young employees.
In her obituary, Gale was described as someone who brought joy to her family.
“Her nurturing, kind and sincere nature was so quick to win over the hearts of the many people she was connected to as well as the patients she cared for in her short time as a nursing student,” her obituary states.
Gale was a third-year nursing student at the University of British Columbia Okanagan and she had a deep passion for helping those in need.
In a statement, Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests and Minister responsible for the BC Wildfire Service said Gale’s loss continues to be devastating.
“We are taking action on all the findings from WorkSafeBC and building on our commitment to safety and support for all crew members,” he said.
“The safety of BC Wildfire Service crew members is our first priority.”
Ralston said the ministry will continue to take steps to increase personal protective gear, strengthen training opportunities, improve recruitment, and enhance access to physical and mental health supports.”
Rob Schweitzer, with the BC Wildfire Service, said in a statement that Gale’s loss had a profound impact on all the crews.
“Immediate and specific actions have been taken to enhance safety and training,” he said.
“These include providing customized Danger Tree Awareness training for all BC Wildfire Service staff, increasing Danger Tree Assessor mentorship, and forging stronger partnerships with safety associations to provide training to BC Wildfire Service members.”
Schweitzer said additional changes include converting crew supervisors into year-round positions and supporting research partnerships to improve physical and mental health and safety.
“I know that every member of the BC Wildfire Service is deeply committed to their jobs and their role in keeping B.C. safe,” he said.
“It is my job to ensure that everyone from crew members to support staff can carry out their work in as safe an environment as possible. I am dedicated to ensuring this work continues throughout this summer and years to come.”
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