Firefighter from Alberta perishes in northwestern Ontario forest fire

NEWS RELEASES
MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND FORESTS
*************************
Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, the Honourable Jeff Yurek, issued the following statement:

I learned yesterday that an Alberta wildland firefighter assisting our response to wildfires in northwestern Ontario has died. Our hearts go out to his family and friends back home, to his crew-members and to all the Alberta firefighters who are helping to keep Ontarians safe.‎

These brave men and women are working around the clock to help fight these fires. It's dangerous and hard work — they are our first line of defence and they step up each and every time. We're grateful for their efforts and their sacrifices, and for reminding us that we're never stronger than when we work together.

Ontario is fortunate to have fire crews from Mexico to Minnesota; from British Columbia to Prince Edward Island helping to fight the fires burning in northern and central Ontario, alongside our law enforcement, municipalities, Indigenous communities and emergency staff.

*************************
Premier Doug Ford visits Parry Sound area communities stricken by forest fires

PARRY SOUND — Premier Doug Ford visited people in communities near Parry Sound where hundreds of firefighters from across North America are battling major wildfires.

The Premier, accompanied by Jeff Yurek, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, and Norm Miller, MPP Parry Sound-Muskoka, met with people in the affected communities today, as well as with teams that are fighting the fires and managing the evacuation process. The government's priority is to keep the public and emergency responders safe, and to protect private property.

"It's a terrible thing to have to flee your home because of a forest fire," said Premier Ford. "These fires have shown how communities in Ontario come together in times of need. Our government is doing everything we can to bring these fires under control and keep you safe."

The Premier praised forest fire teams that are working with the Ontario Provincial Police, community leaders and other agencies to battle fires in the Parry Sound area and other parts of the province. As well, he recognized the help Ontario is receiving from beyond its borders.

"I want to thank all of the courageous men and women from near and far for helping us respond to this emergency," said Ford. "And I am grateful to the premiers of provinces that are helping Ontario, as well as leaders in the U.S. and Mexico who are providing assistance. We are working side by side as one united community."

*************************