Death of a worker in Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette

It is with great sadness that the SOPFEU confirms the death of a worker on Sunday, August 4, in the afternoon, as part of the suppression of a forest fire from Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette. Mr. Isaiah Nottaway was a 32-year-old firefighter employed by the Algonquin community of Kitigan Zibi. This community has been an important partner of SOPFEU for more than 20 years. It provides auxiliary labor that supports the work of SOPFEU’s firefighters. The work of these firefighters is essential to ensure the SOPFEU’s ability to intervene throughout Québec.

The young worker lost consciousness whose causes are unknown at the moment. Resuscitation attempts were made until the paramedics arrived. He was transported to Papineau Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The SOPFEU extends its sincere condolences to family members, friends, colleagues and the Kitigan Zibi community. A psychological support program will be available for family and co-workers.

The SOPFEU will collaborate on various investigations including from the Commission for the Safety of Equity, Health and Safety at Work (CNESST).

Auxiliary labor

In order to manage high activity intensive situations, the SOPFEU just have service agreements with organizations that provides auxiliary labor. These workers are trained by SOPFEU. They fight forest fires on an ad hoc basis under the supervison of SOPFEU employees.