Wildland firefighter in ICU in Vancouver hospital after suffering severe burns

Photo: BC Wildfire Service

The Sparks Lake fire burning near the Deadman Valley. A BC Wildfire Service firefighter was injured last week while fighting the blaze. He is now recovering in a hospital in the Lower Mainland.

A BC Wildfire Service firefighter is in intensive care in a Vancouver hospital after suffering injuries while fighting the massive Sparks Lake fire northwest of Kamloops, the largest currently burning in B.C.

Fire information officer Briana Hill said the firefighter was injured on Wednesday last week.

“The BC Wildfire Service individual is receiving medical attention and is currently in stable condition,” she said.

“As is policy with any injury or accident, a full investigation will be conducted by the BC Wildfire Service and WorkSafeBC regarding this incident.”

According to an online fundraiser, the firefighter suffered burns to his chest, neck, arm and face. The post also says the injured man is expected to spend “a good chunk of time” in the intensive care unit.

As of Monday, the fundraiser had exceeded its $15,000 goal by a large margin.

Hill said the accident will serve as a reminder for crews fighting wildfires in B.C.

“This incident is an overall reminder of the risks associated with fighting wildfires,” she said.

“Firefighters put themselves in potentially dangerous situations to fight woodland fires, many of which are caused by humans and completely preventable.”