Premier Responds To Missing Forest Firefighter

By 250 News

Vancouver, B.C. - Premier Gordon Campbell has released an official statement following the crash of a helicopter in the Fraser River, Friday afternoon. On behalf of all British Columbians, Campbell stated “...our thoughts right now are with the family, colleagues and friends of pilot Robert Christopher Woodhead, 53, of Stoney Creek Ontario.”

Woodhead was the pilot and lone occupant of a Bell 212 helicopter fighting the Intlpam fire near Lillooet. He was filling the aircraft’s water bucket at the time of the crash. Although both Woodhead and the helicopter were spotted shortly after hitting the river, subsequent search efforts have so far been unsuccessful.

Premier Campbell’s Sunday release went on to thank Woodhead and all firefighters “for their courage and dedication” in risking “their safety, every hour of every day, to protect our communities and our forests.”

Campbell’s statement finished with a reminder to “take every precaution possible when in or passing near our forests.” Adding, “If you see smoke or flames, please report it by calling toll free 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most cellular networks."

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