The tree-faller who died Sunday while fighting the Old Sechelt Mine wildfire has been identified as John Phare, 60, of Roberts Creek.
A statement of condolences from District of Sechelt Mayor Bruce Milne was posted Monday afternoon on the District website. It was extended on behalf of the District to Phare’s family, friends and co-workers.
“Any accidental, unexpected fatality is tragic,” Milne said. “When someone dies while protecting the lives of others, the tragedy is mixed with gratitude for their service. When it is a community member who has died in service, the burden of sorrow is compounded.”
Phare was struck by a falling tree at about 11:45 a.m. Sunday and was deceased at the scene, the BC Coroners Service said in a release issued Monday afternoon.
“The BC Coroners Service, WorkSafeBC, the BC Wildfire Service and RCMP are co-ordinating their investigative efforts to determine the circumstance that led to this individual’s death,” the release said.
On Monday at 12:08 p.m., exactly 24 hours after RCMP and paramedics were called to the fatal accident, Sunshine Coast residents connected by social media observed a moment of silence in Phare’s honour. Embellish Emporium in Gibsons is accepting donations for his family.
In an update on the fire, the District noted the shift in wind direction early Sunday brought smoke and ash from the fire to Sechelt, creating a perception that the fire was moving in that direction.
“This is not the case,” the update said. “The fire is burning in a north-northwest direction. There is no risk to Sechelt residents or District of Sechelt infrastructure, at this time. The boundaries of the fire area that face Sechelt are contained and have been a priority of the response team.”
The Ministry of Environment’s wildfire smoke advisory was still in effect Monday for the Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas.
The advisory recommends avoiding strenuous outdoor activities and contacting a health care provider if symptoms include difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, or a sudden onset of cough or irritation of airways.
“Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, and lung or heart disease,” the advisory noted.
The fire has grown to an estimated 250 hectares (618 acres) in size and remains 40 per cent contained, BC Wildfire Service said in a Tuesday morning update.
The Trout Lake Carlson forest service road was closed as of July 6 due to the high volume of danger trees and to ensure the safety of fire crews, and will remain closed until further notice.
Because of the the road closure, the Sunshine Coast Regional District declared a local state of emergency for Electoral Area B and issued an evacuation order for the Carlson Point area, affecting eight residents from 21 waterfront properties. Search and Rescue and RCMP delivered the orders by boat and all residents had been evacuated by Monday evening.
The fire was continuing to burn in a NNW direction, parallel with the Sechelt Inlet and away from homes.
