The BC Coroner Service has released the name of the man who died while fighting a wildfire near Sechelt on July 5th.
Tree-faller John Joe Phare, aged 60 from Roberts Creek, died when he was struck by a falling tree around 11:45 a.m. on Sunday. Phare was contracted by the BC Wildfire Service and was working on the Old Sechelt Mine fire. The Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations has released a statement following the death.
Johnny Phare in an undated photo (Photo Credit: Facebook)
"On behalf of all British Columbians, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of John Joe Phare. This tragedy serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers associated with fighting wildfires - and the need for all British Columbians to do their utmost to prevent wildfires in the first place.
"We are saddened to lose a valued member of our firefighting family. I hope the thoughts and prayers of John's co-workers and of Sunshine Coast residents are able to provide his family and friends some comfort."
The BC Coroner Service, WorkSafeBC , and the BC Wildfire Service continue to investigate Phare’s death.
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