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Worker killed at fire site ID’d as community offers sympathy, thanks and support

The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died while fighting the Old Sechelt Min wildfire on July 5. 2015.

He was John Joe Phare, aged 60, of Roberts Creek.

Phare was a contract faller working for the  BC Wildfire Service when he was struck by a falling tree. He died at the scene.

Fallers have been key in battling the fire, which has grown to 150 hectares and remains 4o per cent contained, because of the need to remove danger trees and construct fire breaks.

Phare’s family has asked for privacy, but Sunshine Coast residents have been taking to social media to thank Phare and other firefighters for their heroic efforts.  There was also a spontaneous moment of silence at 12:08 today.  12:08 Sunday is when RCMP say they got the first reports about the incident.

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Coasters have also been offering spontaneous acts of support from offering to pick up dinner tabs for visiting fire fighting crews, to collecting donations and sending messages of thanks to the BC Wildfire Service.

The SCRD released a statement Monday morning saying, “The SCRD would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of the tree faller who lost his life while fighting this fire. This is a terrible tragedy and a sad reminder of the dangers faced by our firefighters.”

Emergency Program Coordinator Bill Elsner said in his morning update on the fire, “This is a sobering reminder of the danger firefighters face suppressing forest fires. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and co-workers.”

The BC Coroners Service, WorkSafe BC, the BC Wildfire Service and RCMP are co-ordinating the investigation.

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