James Hargrave is being remembered as a great father who will be dearly missed by many.
The volunteer firefighter lost his life while fighting one of about 20 wildfires that are sweeping across Alberta and Saskatchewan right now.
We're saddened to hear about the loss of @CypressCounty Firefighter James Hargrave.
— Calgary Police (@CalgaryPolice) October 18, 2017
Our thoughts are with his family, friends & colleagues.
The 34-year-old was a firefighter with the Walsh Fire Station in Cypress County and the county confirmed the news with a release on Wednesday.
“It is with deep sadness that Cypress County confirms that James Hargrave, a firefighter with the Walsh Fire Station has passed away in the line of duty,” the statement read. “James was very community minded and joined the fire services to help and protect residents far and near.”
“He was a great father and will be dearly missed by his wife, children, extended family, friends, neighbours and fellow first responders.”
According to CBC, Hargrave died when the large water tanker he was driving collided with a pickup truck just south of the town of Burstall.
My heart breaks for the family of James Hargrave, a well respected young Alberta rancher. I count myself lucky to have met him. #RIP pic.twitter.com/MDPqZOntRw
— Oneil Carlier (@oneilcarlier) October 18, 2017
Tributes have been pouring in for Hargrave and a GoFundMe was set up to help his wife Liz and the rest of their young family.
In the hours following Hargrave’s death, firefighters are continuing to battle wildfires across Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Strong winds fueled the fires for the first half of the week, but conditions are expected to calm down heading into the weekend, which will aid the battle.
