An Australian dad has died after his helicopter crashed while fighting wildfires in Canada.
Tom Frith’s aircraft crashed on June 28 near the Fort Good Hope Airport in the remote Northwest Territories of Canada.
Great Slave Helicopters, Mr Frith’s employer, paid tribute to the father-of-two who was ‘beloved by all who had the privilege of knowing him’.
‘He was a beacon of light, beloved by all who had the privilege of knowing him,’ a company statement said.
‘Tom passed away while battling wildfire near Fort Good Hope, NT, a testament to his unwavering courage and dedication.
‘As we navigate this time of sorrow, let us hold on to the memories of Tom – his smile, laughter, the love, and the countless ways he made our lives better.
‘His legacy will live on in his beautiful young family and the hearts of all who knew him.
‘Our heartfelt condolences to Tom’s wife, children, parents, brothers and all extended family and friends in Yellowknife and Australia.’
Australian dad Tom Firth (pictured) has died after his helicopter crashed while fighting wildfires in Canada.
More than 100 people paid tribute to Mr Firth on social media.
‘Thank you Tom for your unwavering commitment and courage in everything you took on, you will be missed dearly,’ Stephanie Yvonne said.
‘As I sit and cry for Tom, I remember he was very professional, you could see he valued safety during his helicopter safety briefings,’ Phranque McKay said.
‘Sincere condolences for knowing such a wonderful man!
‘I remember Tom as a kid being this fearless daredevil who had the guts to do the things other people wouldn’t and who had so much love for his family,’ Monique Brigid said.
‘Hearing of his heroic passing protecting the community and doing what he loves, he was still all heart’.
Northwest Territories Fire confirmed Mr Firth was the only person on-board when the helicopter crashed.
Canada’s Transport Safety Board is also launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash, with investigators working at the crash site on Sunday.
NWT Fire’s Mike Westwick said Mr Firth’s death was a ‘tragedy’ felt by the firefighting community.
‘Our thoughts are with the pilot’s family, friends and colleagues in the wake of this tragedy. Our hearts are broken by the loss of a member of our wildfire family ‘ Mr Westwick said.
‘The ripples of these events spread far and wide in the firefighting community in the NWT, Canada and beyond, given the close and interwoven personal connections formed over many years.’
Mr Firth was battling the blaze in the small community of Fort Good Hope, which his home to about 500 people.
The town has been under an evacuation order since mid-June due to massive wildfires raging in the country’s north.
The Fort Good Hope community has been under an evacuation order since June 15 and will remain in place until July 13.
It comes as a blaze, spanning more than 8,000 hectares – continues to burn out of control.
Canada is facing its worst fire seasons on record, with more than 150 fires burning from 2023.
The fires burned in underground peat bogs – dense wetlands filled with partially decayed vegetation – through the winter before reigniting above ground in February this year.
Authorities have evacuated more than 3,500 people from Fort Nelson, British Columbia due to the blaze.
In May, a 21,000 hectare fire threatened locals in the Alberta, a town in Fort McMurray.
