Pilot, 2 firefighters killed in plane crash in Canada

A pilot and two firefighters were killed when a small aircraft supporting wildfire suppression efforts crashed in northern Canada, officials said.

The crash happened west of Fort Simpson, a community in the Northwest Territories. NWT Fire said the aircraft, described as a Bird Dog plane, was supporting operations on a wildfire when it went down.

Three people were on board, and responders who reached the crash site confirmed all three were killed.

Prime Minister Mark Carney identified those killed as the pilot and two firefighters. “Protecting Canadians from wildfires requires great sacrifice and courage. We owe them all our gratitude,” Carney said in a statement.

NWT Fire said the deaths were an “unthinkable loss” for the families, friends, colleagues and the broader wildfire community. The agency said those who died in the line of duty would be honored at an appropriate time and in accordance with the wishes of their families.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the coroner and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada will investigate the crash.