A large wildfire burns this handout image provided by the Government of Alberta and posted on their social media page. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Government of Alberta-Alberta Wildfire)

By The Canadian Press

Helicopter crashes in northwestern Alberta while fighting wildfire, killing pilot

Jul 20, 2023 | 11:42 AM

PEACE RIVER, AB – A helicopter involved in firefighting operations crashed in northwestern Alberta on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, killing a pilot.

Todd Loewen, Alberta’s forestry minister, offered condolences to the pilot’s family, friends and colleagues on Thursday, July 20.

“Today’s tragic news is a reminder that the heroes who put their lives on the line to protect us are men and women like you and me. They have families, friends, hopes and dreams,” he said in a written statement.

“While we mourn a life lost in the line of duty, Alberta’s brave first responders continue to put themselves in danger every day to protect Alberta families.”

Transportation Safety Board spokesperson Chris Krepski said two investigators are en route to the scene in a remote area northeast of Peace River.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

“They will be on site later today to begin gathering information and assessing the occurrence,” he said.

Krepski said an emergency locator transmitter signal was received Wednesday at about 6 p.m., noting that the downed aircraft is currently in a marshy area near Haig Lake, roughly 140 kilometres northeast of Peace River. He said it was operated by Valhalla Helicopters, based in West Kelowna, B.C., which declined to comment. Krepski said there was one person on board.

The RCMP was not immediately available to comment.

As of Thursday morning, Alberta had 117 active wildfires, 17 of which were considered out of control.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 20, 2023.

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.