The town of Castor, Alta., is mourning the loss of a firefighter who died on the way to a call Friday evening.
Volunteer firefighters were responding to a collision on Highway 599.
“The roads were extremely icy, and travel was hazardous,” the town said in a Facebook post on Saturday.
“However, as our firemen always go above and beyond the call of duty, they went out despite the conditions.”
A fire truck lost control and rolled, resulting in injuries to Fire Chief Patrick Kelly, who has since been released from hospital, and the death of firefighter Stephen Rayfield.
“It’s a huge loss for our community,” Mayor Richard Elhard told Global News, noting how “integral and involved” Rayfield was. “He just fit in with everybody so well.
“It’s just affected this community in the most horrific way. It’s just been an absolute nightmare for us because Stephen lived and worked here for several years, a firefighter for several years.”
Elhard said Rayfield, who was from England, leaves behind a wife and a young son.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rayfield family,” the town said in the Facebook post.
“This has been a traumatic event for all our firefighters and their families, so please support them in any way you can in the coming days.”
The Alberta Fire Fighters Association sent its condolences to the town: “Thoughts of strength are with all the responders involved. It’s never easy losing one of your own. Please take care of each other.”
Alberta EMS also offered condolences.
Castor is about 140 kilometres east of Red Deer.