Premier Ranj Pillai, Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn and the Yukon Wildland Fire Management branch are mourning the fourth death of a Canadian firefighter in the last several weeks.

“The Government of Yukon and Wildland Fire Management send our deepest condolences to British Columbia and Ontario following the death of a wildfire fighter from Ontario who was responding to a fire in northeastern British Columbia,” they said in a statement Monday.

“This is the fourth death of a wildfire fighter in Canada this year – a year we know is being called the worst on record for fires. And this is now the second death on the front lines during the 2023 wildfire season in B.C.”

Flags at the Jim Smith Building and at Yukon Wildland Fire Management were lowered to half-staff in honour of the fallen firefighter.

“It is profoundly shocking and tragic, and we would like everyone to know, especially our neighbours in B.C., our friends in Ontario, and our dedicated firefighters here in the Yukon, that we grieve with you,” the statement said.

“We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of this most recently lost firefighter and to all who has been impacted by the four deaths.

“To all of our firefighters and emergency response personnel, please know we are here for you. You have our deepest gratitude for the sacrifice you make every day in risking your lives to protect your loved ones and your wider communities.”