Minister Macdonald provides a response to Wednesday evening’s plane crash and the loss of three firefighting personnel:

“There are no words for how devastated I am by the loss of three of our own. Three members of our wildfire community were lost in a fatal plane crash on Wednesday evening, while carrying out firefighting duties on a wildfire near Fort Simpson, NT.

“I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the families, friends, colleagues and community members of the three people we lost. Know that I join you in your grief today and every day moving forward.

“Every single person who has worked or is working in wildfire in the Northwest Territories, and across Canada, mourns with us today for our friends and colleagues. The fire community is small, interconnected, and every single loss impacts all of us in some way.

“The work wildland firefighters and personnel do is dangerous and filled with many hazards. As someone who knows how difficult this work is, by doing it season after season alongside many in the NWT wildfire community, I know we all hope and pray to never receive a call like we did on Wednesday evening.

“The dedication, sacrifice and contributions to our communities of these three professionals must never be forgotten.

“I, along with my colleagues and the people of the Northwest Territories, are deeply indebted to the commitment, courage and bravery of wildfire personnel, who show up every day to ensure the safety and protection of the people, communities and places we love.

“To those impacted by this tragedy: as you navigate this time of sorrow, remember that you are in the thoughts and prayers of residents across the Northwest Territories and the entire wildfire community.

“As news and more information becomes available, please do not take this on alone. Seek support by talking with your loved ones, calling 811 or 1-844-259-1793 or by accessing services listed here: https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/mental-wellness-and-addictions-recovery

“If you work in wildfire in the Northwest Territories, Critical Incident Stress Management Teams are being deployed to several bases to support you in the wake of this tragedy.”