British Columbia’s workplace regulator has imposed a significant fine on the province due to two incidents during the 2023 wildfire season, one of which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old firefighter in a vehicle accident in the northeast region.

This fine is the second-largest ever issued by WorkSafeBC to the B.C. government for safety violations related to the 2023 wildfire season, with a previous fine of $710,000 for unsafe practices in wildfire mitigation outside Fort St. John.

The 2023 wildfire season was the most devastating in British Columbia’s history, with over 2,300 fires burning more than 2.8 million hectares and sadly claiming the lives of several first responders.

Described as “emotionally challenging” by the province, the tragic loss of six members of B.C.’s wildland firefighting community will always be remembered from that year.

WorkSafeBC has determined that the province must address safety deficiencies that contributed to one of the firefighter fatalities. The agency emphasized that the purpose of the substantial fine is to compel the employer and others to adhere to occupational health and safety regulations for maintaining safe workplaces.

Zak Muise, a firefighter with Bigcat Wildfire, lost his life on July 28, 2023, when his all-terrain vehicle overturned during wildfire operations near Fort St. John. Muise, who was assisting in battling the Donnie Creek wildfire, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, as revealed by WorkSafeBC’s investigation report.

Mike Smesman, the owner of Bigcat Wildfire, expressed gratitude for the WorkSafeBC investigation but also acknowledged the profound loss of Muise, emphasizing the company’s grief over the tragic incident.

Another incident that led to a fine from WorkSafeBC involved five Brazilian firefighters who were surrounded by flames during a controlled burn in the Shuswap region in August 2023. Inadequate planning, training, and communication were identified as contributing factors, with the employer failing to provide essential safety information and training to its workers.

Forests Minister Ravi Parmar commended the wildland firefighters for their dedication and courage in performing a challenging and hazardous job. He expressed hope that the province would pay the fine and prioritize worker safety in firefighting operations.

WorkSafeBC determines penalty amounts based on various factors, including the employer’s payroll size and the severity of the violation. Penalties can increase for high-risk situations or for repeat offenses within a specified timeframe.

In response to a previous fine appeal in October 2023, where the province contested the penalty amount, WorkSafeBC canceled the administrative penalty after a review process without providing detailed explanations.