British Columbia’s workplace regulator has imposed a substantial fine on the province for two wildfire incidents in 2023, one of which resulted in the tragic death of a 25-year-old firefighter in a vehicle accident in the northeast region. This fine, totaling $710,000, is the second-highest penalty issued by WorkSafeBC to the B.C. government in connection with the 2023 wildfire season, with a previous fine issued for unsafe wildfire prevention practices near Fort St. John.
The 2023 wildfire season was unprecedentedly destructive, with approximately 2,300 fires scorching over 2.8 million hectares of land, marking it as the most devastating wildfire season in the province’s history. The province characterized the season as “emotionally challenging,” noting the loss of six wildland firefighting personnel.
WorkSafeBC has indicated that the province is responsible for addressing safety deficiencies that contributed to one of the firefighter fatalities. The agency emphasized that the significant fine serves to compel the province and other employers to adhere to occupational health and safety regulations and maintain safe workplaces.
Zak Muise, a firefighter employed by Bigcat Wildfire, lost his life on July 28, 2023, when his all-terrain vehicle overturned on a gravel road while battling the massive Donnie Creek wildfire. WorkSafeBC highlighted that Muise, along with his supervisor, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the incident, and safety protocols such as seatbelt usage and retention netting were not followed, leading to the imposed fine.
Mike Smesman, the owner of Bigcat Wildfire, expressed gratitude for the WorkSafeBC investigation but acknowledged the devastating impact of Muise’s death on the company. The second incident that led to the fine involved five Brazilian firefighters who were trapped by flames during a prescribed burn in the Shuswap region due to inadequate planning, training, and communication.
The Forests Ministry has expressed reservations about some of WorkSafeBC’s findings and intends to seek a review of the penalty decision to ensure accuracy. Despite the fines, the ministry acknowledged the importance of upholding workplace safety standards and commended the efforts of wildland firefighters.
WorkSafeBC determines penalty amounts based on employer payroll size and the severity of the violation, with higher penalties possible for high-risk situations or repeat offenses. The province previously appealed a fine issued in October 2023, leading to the cancellation of the administrative penalty after a review process.