One killed as helicopter crashes fighting Slave Lake fires

A pilot is confirmed dead after a Bell 212 helicopter fighting wildfires in the Lesser Slave Lake area went down just before 3 p.m. today. RCMP have not released the pilot’s name pending notification of next of kin. The pilot was the only person on board.

“This is a sad loss for everyone in Alberta. Our hearts and prayers are with the pilot’s family and friends,” said Mel Knight, Minister of Sustainable Resource Development. “What a terrible way to be reminded of the courage our wildfire fighters display by being on the front lines for all of us.”

The helicopter was on duty near the Widewater community along the south shore of Lesser Slave Lake, about 22 km west of the Town of Slave Lake. South shore communities, including the Town of Slave Lake, are under an evacuation order because of wildfire.

The helicopter and pilot were under contract to Sustainable Resource Development.

The Transportation Safety Board has been contacted.