British Columbia’s workplace safety authority has imposed a substantial fine on the province for two incidents during the 2023 wildfire season, including the tragic death of a 25-year-old firefighter in a vehicle accident in the northeast region. This penalty is the second-largest ever issued by WorkSafeBC to the B.C. government in relation to the 2023 wildfires, following a $710,000 fine for hazardous wildfire prevention practices near Fort St. John.
The 2023 wildfire season marked a devastating period for the province, with over 2,300 fires scorching more than 2.8 million hectares of land, claiming the lives of several first responders. Described as “emotionally challenging” by the province, 2023 will forever be remembered for the loss of six members of B.C.’s firefighting community.
WorkSafeBC has declared that the province must pay for safety deficiencies contributing to one of the firefighter deaths. The agency emphasized that the significant penalty aims to compel the penalized employer and others to adhere to occupational health and safety regulations for workplace safety.
Zak Muise, employed by firefighting contractor Bigcat Wildfire, tragically lost his life on July 28, 2023, when his vehicle overturned on a gravel road while battling the immense Donnie Creek wildfire. WorkSafeBC highlighted that Muise, along with his supervisor, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the incident, and safety protocols such as seatbelt usage and passenger-side netting were neglected.
Expressing gratitude for the WorkSafeBC investigation, Mike Smesman, the owner of Bigcat Wildfire, acknowledged the devastating impact of Muise’s passing, emphasizing the profound loss experienced by the company.
Another incident that led to the fine involved five Brazilian firefighters who were trapped by flames during a controlled burn in the Shuswap region. WorkSafeBC identified insufficient planning, training, and communication as contributing factors, with safety program deviations noted. The Forests Ministry plans to seek a review of the penalty decision to ensure accuracy in representation.
Forests Minister Ravi Parmar commended the dedication of B.C.’s wildland firefighters, acknowledging the risks they face daily. Smesman expressed hope that the province would address the fine and prioritize worker safety in firefighting operations, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human life.
WorkSafeBC stated that penalty amounts consider employer payroll size and violation nature, with escalated penalties for high-risk situations or repeat offenses. The province previously contested a fine in October 2023, which was eventually canceled after review by WorkSafeBC.