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Two fallen N.W.T. wildfire fighters identified after plane crash
🇨🇦 Canada /Disasters & Emergencies

Two fallen N.W.T. wildfire fighters identified after plane crash

From Global News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • Two wildfire fighters, Olivier Lamy and Ryan Beck, have been identified as victims of a plane crash near Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories.
  • The Turbo Commander 690 aircraft, used for aerial firefighting, crashed on June 24, also killing a pilot from Buffalo Airways whose identity has not been released.
  • The crash is under investigation, and tributes have poured in for the fallen firefighters, whose loss is deeply felt in the wildfire community.

The wildfire community in the Northwest Territories is mourning the loss of two fallen heroes, Olivier Lamy and Ryan Beck, who died on June 24 when a Turbo Commander 690 aircraft crashed near Fort Simpson. NWT Fire confirmed their identities on Wednesday, stating that Lamy was an air attack officer with previous experience fighting fires for Parks Canada, and Beck was a second-year air attack officer trainee.

Their loss is a wound that cannot be repaired and is felt far and wide in the wildfire community.

— NWT FireA social media post from NWT Fire describing the impact of the crash.

"Their loss is a wound that cannot be repaired and is felt far and wide in the wildfire community," NWT Fire said in a social media post. The agency emphasized the courageous service of the fallen, noting their dedication to protecting people and communities across the territory. Lamy was remembered for his fearlessness, sense of humor, and dedication, even during off-season travels. Beck, a father to a seven-month-old son, was known for his eagerness and selflessness, with officials stating, "He loved his crew, and they loved him. He will be greatly missed."

They lost their lives in the line of duty protecting people and communities across the N.W.T. All were responsible for courageous acts of service to this territory few could imagine.

— NWT FireNWT Fire's statement on the sacrifice of the fallen firefighters.

The crash, which involves Buffalo Airways, is being investigated by the agency, RCMP, and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. The incident has prompted condolences from N.W.T. Premier R.J. Simpson and Prime Minister Mark Carney. Meanwhile, the wildfire near Fort Simpson has grown to about 150 square kilometers, forcing the evacuation of its roughly 1,300 residents. Many evacuees are staying in Yellowknife, nearly 700 kilometers away, where a celebration of life for the 25-year-old Beck is scheduled.

His travels meant that countless others, in far-flung corners of the world, got the chance to see the wit, sense of humour, and dedication that made him a great part of the team, and an even better guy.

— NWT FireDescribing Olivier Lamy's character and impact.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Global News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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