Dalby pilot Tom Frith dies fighting wildfires in Canada

Tributes are pouring in from both sides of the Pacific Ocean after a Queensland pilot and young father died when his helicopter crashed while fighting massive wildfires in Canada.

Helicopter pilot Tom Frith, of Dalby, died while fighting wildfires near Great Slave Lake in the northwest Territories, Canada, June 28, 2024.

Dalby-born pilot Tom Frith, 33, has been remembered as a spirited and outgoing father after he died while fighting wildfires in the remote Northwest Territories in Canada.

Tom’s aircraft, a Bell Textron B212, reportedly suffered a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff and crashed near Fort Good Hope Airport on June 28.

His father, Peter Frith, said Tom was an experienced pilot who had fought wildfires in Canada for the past three years.

“Tom was a good pilot, he had a really good record and he was not a risk taker – he had too much to live for,” Mr Frith said.

“He had been fighting this fire for about a month.”

Canada’s CTV News reported the small community of Fort Good Hope is home to about 500 people and has been under an evacuation order since mid-June as wildfires raged across northern Canada.

An emergency order will be in place until July 13.

The fire threatening Fort Good Hope is more than 8000ha in size and is burning out of control.

Canada is facing one of its worst fire seasons on record. More than 150 fires from 2023 smouldered in underground peat bogs through winter and reignited in February.

More than 3500 people were evacuated from Fort Nelson, British Columbia while a 21,000ha fire threatened the Alberta town of Fort McMurray in May.

Canada’s Transport Safety Bureau will investigate the cause of a crash that killed Tom Frith.

Mr Frith said Tom was survived by his two sons, his wife, his parents and his four brothers.

“Tom was a very spirited boy, very outgoing, very athletic, and loved rugby and waterskiing,” he said.

“He loved the Rabbitohs and the Wallabies.

“When we catch our breath we will have a memorial service for him.”

After graduating from Toowoomba Grammar School, Tom took a range of farm jobs across Dalby before studying aviation at Griffith University.

From there he moved to Cloncurry where he was flying fixed wing aircraft for the station before transitioning into helicopter mustering of livestock.

Tom had the drive to work with bigger aircraft and moved to Canada, taking a position with Great Slave Helicopters.

The company paid tribute to Tom after the crash.

“He was a beacon of light, beloved by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” a company statement said.

“Tom passed away while battling wildfire near Fort Good Hope, NT, a testament to his unwavering courage and dedication.

“As we navigate this time of sorrow, let us hold on to the memories of Tom – his smile, laughter, the love, and the countless ways he made our lives better.

“His legacy will live on in his beautiful young family and the hearts of all who knew him.

“Our heartfelt condolences to Tom’s wife, children, parents, brothers and all extended family and friends in Yellowknife and Australia.”

Meanwhile, more than 100 people paid tribute to Mr Frith on the Great Slave Helicopters social media pages.

“Thank you Tom for your unwavering commitment and courage in everything you took on, you will be missed dearly,” Stephanie Yvonne said.

“As I sit and cry for Tom, I remember he was very professional, you could see he valued safety during his helicopter safety briefings,” Phranque McKay said.

“Sincere condolences for knowing such a wonderful man!

“I remember Tom as a kid being this fearless daredevil who had the guts to do the things other people wouldn’t and who had so much love for his family,” Monique Brigid said. “Hearing of his heroic passing protecting the community and doing what he loves, he was still all heart”

Originally published as Dalby pilot Tom Frith dies fighting wildfires in Canada