4 wildfire fighters killed in collision on B.C. highway
Four people were killed in a car crash early Tuesday morning on B.C.’s Highway 1, according to Mounties.
Authorities have identified the deceased as BC Wildfire Service sub-contractors who were travelling home after assisting with fire suppression efforts near Vanderhoof, in the Prince George Fire Centre.
“This year has been particularly challenging for the BC Wildfire Service, with several of its members facing injuries or losing their lives. Our thoughts are with the friends and family of those who help keep our province safe,” said Cpl. James Grandy in a news release issued Wednesday.
Police said the collision happened around 2 a.m. near Walhachin, which is about 70 kilometres west of Kamloops.
The crash was between a semi-tractor trailer and a Ford F-350 pickup truck. The semi caught on fire, but the driver was able to escape, according to police.
All four occupants of the pickup were pronounced dead at the scene.
“Initial investigation determined the pick-up truck failed to navigate a bend in the road to the right, crossing the centre line and colliding with the semi truck head on,” RCMP wrote.
Highway 1 was closed in both directions for the investigation but has since reopened.
In a joint statement Wednesday, Premier David Eby and Minister of Forests Bruce Ralston offered condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the fallen firefighters.
"This is devastating news in what has been an immensely difficult wildfire season. We stand with wildfire fighters and all BC Wildfire Service personnel as they mourn the death of colleagues and co-workers yet again,” they wrote.
"Firefighters are on the front lines in so many parts of B.C., creating hope from despair and working tirelessly to save lives and livelihoods. Words cannot express the depth of our gratitude."
This wildfire season has been a deadly one for first responders. Now six firefighters have lost their lives in B.C.
On July 28, 25-year-old Zak Muise was killed while battling the Donnie Creek wildfire—the biggest on record in the province—when the UTV he was a passenger in went down an embankment.
On July 13, 19-year-old Devyn Gale died in the line of duty near Revelstoke. She was found under a fallen tree.
BC Wildfire Service told CTV News it is unable to name the four killed Tuesday as the collision remains under investigation.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
The biggest changes to Canada's mortgage rules, according to a broker
Canada's new federal mortgage rules are coming into effect Sunday. A broker says this is what would-be buyers need to know.
Upcoming GST relief causes confusion for some small Canadian businesses
A tax break for the holiday season will start this weekend, giving some Canadians relief on year-end shopping. But for small businesses, confusion around what applies for GST relief has emerged.
LIVE @ 10 a.m. EST
LIVE @ 10 a.m. EST Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon to provide update on Canada Post strike
Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon will hold a news conference this morning to provide an update on the strike at Canada Post.
U.S. Olympic and Paralympic officials put coach on leave after AP reports sexual abuse allegations
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee placed an employee on administrative leave Thursday after The Associated Press reported that one of its coaches was accused of sexually abusing a young biathlete, causing her so much distress that she attempted suicide.
Ontario mulls U.S. booze ban as Trump brushes off Ford's threat to cut electricity
Incoming U.S. president Donald Trump is brushing off Ontario's threat to restrict electricity exports in retaliation for sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods, as the province floats the idea of effectively barring sales of American alcohol.
Suspected Chinese spy with business ties to Prince Andrew barred from U.K.
A suspected Chinese spy with business ties to Prince Andrew has been barred from the U.K. because of concerns he poses a threat to national security.
Russia targets Ukrainian infrastructure with a massive attack by cruise missiles and drones
Russia launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine on Friday, firing 93 cruise and ballistic missiles and almost 200 drones, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, describing it as one of the heaviest bombardments of the country's energy sector since Russia's full-scale invasion almost three years ago.
LIVE @ 10 a.m. EST
LIVE @ 10 a.m. EST Public support key but harder to keep as Canada Post strike drags on, experts say
Public support is key to the success of a strike, experts say, but as the Canada Post strike drags on, that support is likely getting harder to maintain.
Canadian officials eyed 'new opportunities' no matter who won U.S. election: memos
As the U.S. presidential election loomed, Canadian officials envisioned new opportunities for co-operation with their southern neighbour on nuclear energy, supply chain security and carbon capture technologies — no matter who won the contest, newly released government memos show.
Vancouver Island
-
Eby says 'nothing's off the table' in responding to Trump's tariff threats
From the merry-looking set of a movie, where he was making a film-industry-related announcement, Premier David Eby came out firing with B.C.'s potential response to massive tarrifs threatened by Donald Trump.
-
Team Canada athletes counting down to Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler
In recent weeks, BC Place has hosted the Grey Cup and the biggest musical act on the planet – and soon, the opening ceremonies of the Invictus Games will take over the venue.
-
Video shows B.C. commercial truck driver stumbling through roadside sobriety check
New video sent to CTV News shows a commercial truck driver struggling to stay on his feet during a sobriety check Monday afternoon in Port Coquitlam after allegedly crashing into multiple parked cars.
Kelowna
-
Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas
A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas.
-
Kelowna, B.C., to host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026
The Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026, the Canadian Hockey League said Wednesday.
-
545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down
Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day.
Edmonton
-
Leon Draisaitl is leading the NHL in goals and the surging Oilers on 'both ends of the ice'
The Edmonton Oilers needed just five seconds on their first power play of the game to take an early first-period lead in Minnesota, when Connor McDavid sent a slick cross-slot pass to co-star Leon Draisaitl for a textbook one-timer past Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson.
-
ASIRT investigating police shooting in Fort McMurray
A person was shot by a Mountie in Fort McMurray on Thursday.
-
Travis Vader, killer of Lyle and Marie McCann, denied day parole
The man who killed an Alberta couple in 2010 has been denied day parole.
Calgary
-
Water main break snarls traffic along northbound Crowchild Trail
A water main break during Thursday's evening rush hour brought motorists to a crawl on northbound Crowchild Trail in Calgary's southwest.
-
Calgary Fire Department welcomes 36 graduates
The Calgary Fire Department is honouring its newest graduates with a special ceremony on Friday.
-
‘Very odd’: Death of young Calgary woman remains a mystery: police
Calgary police are calling on the public to come forward with any information they may have following the death of a young woman found unconscious on a northeast pathway.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge Fire and EMS offering safety reminders ahead of holiday season
As the holidays quickly approach, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) is putting out a reminder to celebrate safely this year.
-
Lethbridge man caught in possession of illegal drugs twice in 2 days: police
Lethbridge police say a 58-year-old man has been charged with drug trafficking offences twice within a 48-hour period.
-
Hurricanes continue winning ways at home, defeating Blades 2-1
The Hurricanes continued to ride a hot streak at home Wednesday, as they edged the Blades 2-1 in a game played at VisitLethbridge.com Arena.
Winnipeg
-
'The Wild West': Winnipeg looking to put an end to bus fare evasion
A push is on to get more people to pay for their rides on Winnipeg buses.
-
'I am a little anxious': Winnipeggers weigh in on proposed 5.95 per cent property tax hike
Winnipeggers are mulling over a nearly six per cent property tax hike.
-
Manitoba premier eyes list of possible retaliatory measures for U.S. tariffs
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says his government is preparing a list of potential retaliatory measures if the United States government imposes new tariffs on Canadian goods.
Regina
-
Regina police stats show year-over-year increase in crimes involving people, property
A Regina police report shows that both crimes against people and property have seen a year-over-year increase when comparing this November to last.
-
Assiniboia rolls out red carpet for SJHL's Weyburn Red Wings after rink closure
The Weyburn Red Wings are carrying on with their Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) season, despite their hometown rink being temporarily shuttered, thanks to the generosity of those in Assiniboia, Sask.
-
LIVE @ 10 a.m. EST
LIVE @ 10 a.m. EST Public support key but harder to keep as Canada Post strike drags on, experts say
Public support is key to the success of a strike, experts say, but as the Canada Post strike drags on, that support is likely getting harder to maintain.
Saskatoon
-
'Gong show': Emergency patients overflow into ambulatory unit at St. Paul's Hospital
The emergency department at St. Paul's Hospital is so full its turning to the ambulatory unit.
-
'Not even our project': Saskatoon city spends more than $5 million on homelessness with no provincial commitment
Saskatoon City Council held a special meeting Thursday morning to address homelessness years into the future, but frustration grew throughout the meeting as the province was absent from the conversation.
-
Prince Albert police release photo of suspect in family, grandparent scam
The Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) is releasing a photo of a person of interest in connection with a family/grandparent emergency scam following multiple reports.
Toronto
-
'Emergency situation' at St. Joseph's hospital in Toronto, no heat or hot water
A boiler system failure at St. Joseph's Health Centre has left the west-end Toronto hospital without heat, hot water, and steam on a day when the temperature feels as cold as -16.
-
What you need to know about the holiday tax break in Ontario
The GST/HST tax breaks go into effect on Saturday, meaning Ontarians can save up to 13 per cent on some items. Here's what you need to know.
-
Niche dog sport divided Doug Ford's caucus as expansion plan killed, then resurrected
A decision over whether to expand an obscure dog sport in Ontario sparked division within Doug Ford's Progressive Conservative caucus that saw the premier agree to cancel a new licensing regime before later resurrecting it, The Canadian Press has learned.
Montreal
-
Conservationists eager to see plan to save rare eastern wolf found in Quebec, Ontario
Gisele Benoit still gets goosebumps when she remembers the first time she saw a family of eastern wolves emerge from the forests of the Mauricie National Park under the backdrop of a rising moon.
-
Here are the weekend road closures in the Montreal area
Those planning on driving in and around Montreal this weekend should avoid certain sectors where construction is planned.
-
Rust scores hat trick, Penguins strike six times in third to win 9-2 over Canadiens
Bryan Rust scored a hat trick and added an assist as the Pittsburgh Penguins crushed the Montreal Canadiens 9-2 on Thursday night.
Ottawa
-
CTV Morning Live Holiday Helpers Food Drive raises record $387,000 for Ottawa Food Bank
The CTV Morning Live Holiday Helpers Food Drive raised a record $387,485 on Friday to help support the Ottawa Food Bank through the holiday season and into 2025.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING 1 person killed in single-vehicle crash near Arnprior, Ont.
One person is dead after a single-vehicle crash on Highway 417 near Arnprior.
-
More than 1,500 vehicles reported stolen in Ottawa in 2024: Here are the hotspots for thefts
Statistics on the Ottawa Police Service's Crime Map show 1,559 vehicles have been reported stolen in Ottawa between Jan. 1 and Dec. 12. Vehicle thefts include joy rides, opportunistic thefts, and "single-use crimes," according to police.
Atlantic
-
'It felt like someone had really long nails': Owl attacks Halifax runner on trail
A woman says her evening jog took an unexpected turn when she was attacked by an owl on a popular Halifax-area trail.
-
No change in Nova Scotia gas prices, small changes in N.B. and P.E.I.
There was no change in the price of gas and diesel in Nova Scotia overnight while there were small changes in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
-
LIVE @ 10 a.m. EST
LIVE @ 10 a.m. EST Public support key but harder to keep as Canada Post strike drags on, experts say
Public support is key to the success of a strike, experts say, but as the Canada Post strike drags on, that support is likely getting harder to maintain.
London
-
Snow winding down, cold air persists, milder temperatures incoming
Although we’re expecting snowsqualls to wind down on Friday afternoon, it’s going to be bitterly cold out there today.
-
St. Thomas police investigating suspicious death
The St. Thomas Police Service is investigating a suspicious death.
-
Highway 21 reopens from Amberley to Port Elgin
OPP have reopened Highway 21 from Amberley to Port Elgin.
Kitchener
-
Guelph’s bike repair lady finally catches a ‘brake’
A Guelph woman who fought city hall and won in a bid to keep operating a bicycle repair service out of her garage, which benefits charity, scored another victory Thursday night.
-
Conestoga College offering 160 employees early retirement
Conestoga College is looking to cut costs by offering 160 of its full-time employees an early retirement package.
-
Premier proposing legislation to clear encampments and target illegal drug use
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is proposing stronger legislation for breaking up encampments.
Northern Ontario
-
Elliot Lake fire crews continue to battle massive apartment fire
Fire crews continue to battle an apartment building fire on Hirshhorn Avenue in Elliot Lake. Damage is extensive.
-
Northern Ont. bank employee taken to hospital with serious injuries after shooting
An employee at Northern Credit Union in Wawa, Ont., was taken to hospital with serious injuries after a shooter entered the branch and opened fire Thursday morning, the financial institution said in a statement.
-
Stabbing in wooded area of Sudbury results in attempted murder charge
Sudbury police have charged a man, 28, with attempted murder after a stabbing in wooded area off Leslie Street on Wednesday night.
N.L.
-
Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador announce energy deal worth billions
Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador have signed a sweeping new deal to build new energy projects and throw out a decades-old contract that has long been a source of strife and bitterness for Canada's easternmost province.
-
Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador expected to sign Churchill Falls energy deal
Quebec Premier François Legault and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey are scheduled to announce an energy agreement Thursday that could end decades of friction between the two provinces.
-
Newfoundland towns light up harbours to honour fishers and pray for their safety
On a twinkling wharf in a small Newfoundland town, a crowd of about 100 people stopped singing and chatting on Friday night to bow their heads in a moment of silence for local fish harvesters.
