A plane supporting wildfire suppression operations in the Northwest Territories crashed Wednesday night approximately 50 kilometres from Fort Simpson, west of Yellowknife, with three people on board. The aircraft, a Turbo Commander 690 operated by Buffalo Airways, was serving as a bird dog coordinating efforts on a blaze in the Marten Hills area.
Crash Details and Response
Neither the RCMP nor NWT Fire have confirmed whether any of the three individuals on board survived the crash. In a Facebook post, NWT Fire stated, 'We can now confirm that the serious incident involving a Bird Dog aircraft near Fort Simpson was a crash. Three people were onboard the aircraft. The aircraft was supporting wildfire suppression efforts on fire FS009-26.'
Buffalo Airways issued a statement on Facebook acknowledging the incident: 'On June 24, a Buffalo Airways Turbo Commander 690 aircraft, operating as a bird dog during wildfire operations, was involved in an incident. Buffalo Airways is working closely with Transport Canada, the Transportation Safety Board, the RCMP, and the GNWT Department of Environment and Climate Change.'
Investigation Underway
The RCMP confirmed that officers reached the crash site and are conducting an investigation. A Transportation Safety Board team has also been deployed to the scene. Buffalo Airways requested privacy for its crews and the company to support the investigation, stating in a Thursday morning post, 'We ask that our crews and our company be given the space needed to support the investigation.'
Wildfire Status
The wildfire, designated FS009-26, ignited on Tuesday and is believed to have been caused by natural means. According to the territorial government's website, the blaze spans approximately 100 hectares (247.105 acres) in the Dehcho region. As of Thursday afternoon, the fire was listed as 'out of control.'
