Two Firefighters Killed in Northwest Territories Plane Crash Officially Identified

Two Firefighters Killed in Northwest Territories Plane Crash Officially Identified

Authorities in Canada’s Northwest Territories have released the identities of two wildfire personnel who lost their lives in a firefighting aircraft crash last month while responding to an active wildfire.

The victims were identified as Olivier Lamy, an Air Attack Officer with the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), and Ryan Beck, an Air Attack Officer Trainee. Both died in the June 24 crash while carrying out wildfire suppression operations.

In a statement issued by NWT Fire, the agency paid tribute to the two men, describing their deaths as a devastating loss to the firefighting community and acknowledging their commitment to protecting residents and communities across the territory.

Ryan Beck had spent nearly 10 years serving in wildfire operations. He began his career as an auxiliary firefighter and steadily progressed through the ranks before joining the air attack programme as a trainee.

Colleagues remembered him as someone who loved working in the wilderness and embraced every aspect of firefighting.

They recalled his enthusiasm on the fire line, his passion for outdoor life and the camaraderie he shared with fellow firefighters during deployments across the Northwest Territories and neighbouring Alberta.

Beck is survived by his partner, their seven-month-old child, his parents and other relatives.

Olivier Lamy, affectionately known by colleagues as “Oil,” joined the territory’s air attack programme in 2024 after building an extensive career battling wildfires with Parks Canada, where he served both as a crew member and crew leader.

Tributes described Lamy as a calm and fearless professional whose humour and positive attitude helped lift spirits during demanding wildfire operations.

Friends and colleagues also remembered the pride he took in his work and his deep passion for protecting communities.

He is survived by his parents, younger brother and extended family.

The fatal accident occurred when a Turbo Commander 690 aircraft, commonly known as a bird dog plane, crashed approximately 50 kilometres from Fort Simpson while supporting wildfire operations.

The aircraft serves as an airborne command platform, directing and coordinating firefighting aircraft during emergency responses.

Three people were on board the aircraft, and officials confirmed that none survived the crash.

Following the incident, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police assisted with recovery efforts, while the Northwest Territories Coroner Service and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada launched investigations into the cause of the accident.

Buffalo Airways, which operated the aircraft, also confirmed that one of its firefighting pilots died in the crash.

The airline described those lost as heroes who gave their lives while protecting others and pledged to honour their memory in consultation with their families.

According to territorial officials, the aircraft had been assisting efforts to contain a naturally caused wildfire in the Marten Hills area before the crash occurred.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney extended his condolences to the families of the victims, acknowledging the courage and sacrifice required of those who risk their lives to protect communities from devastating wildfires.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash remain ongoing.