By Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter) with files from CHAT News

Cypress County confirms a firefighter died while battling fire near Hilda

Oct 18, 2017 | 2:47 PM

DUNMORE, AB — Cypress County has confirmed a firefighter with the Walsh Fire Service, died while battling the fires near Hilda Tuesday night.

A grassfire in Cypress County near township road 180, about 5 miles west of Highway 41, grew rapidly in size and moved quickly eastward due to high winds and dry fuels.

Cypress County Fire Fighters and RCMP evacuated the communities of Hilda and Schuler due to the risk posed by the fire.

During fire-fighting efforts, a collision occurred between a water truck and a pick-up truck. The lone occupant of the water truck, 34-year-old James Hargrave, a volunteer fire fighter from Cypress County died at the scene.

“James was very community minded and joined the fire services to help and protect residents near and far,” said a release. “He was a great father and will be dearly missed by his wife, children, extended family, friends, neighbours and fellow first responders.”

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

14h ago

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

Week-in-review: Street sweeping, policing in Coaldale and #SlowYourRoll

Apr 13, 2024

The RCMP notes that the tragic loss of life speaks to the danger that this emergency posed and also to the heroism of the volunteers who sacrifice in service of their neighbors. The RCMP extends its deepest and most sincere condolences to the family of the deceased as well as his friends and colleagues in the Cypress County fire department.