Alberta firefighter dies fighting Ontario forest fires

An Alberta firefighter has died while helping to fightforest fires in Ontario.

Premier Rachel NotleyFriday offeredcondolences following the death of Jerry Gadwa from the KehewinCree First Nation reserve, approximately 225 kilometres northeast of Edmontonnear Bonnyville.

Gadwa died while supporting fire suppression efforts in Red Lake, Ont., near the border with Manitoba.

• Lack of rain increases fire hazard in southern portion of northwestern Ontario
• Here's what you need to know about northern Ontario's forest fires

"We are one country and we look out for one another. Mr. Gadwa and his fellow firefighters were in Ontario fighting to defend the well-being of their fellow Canadians," Notley said in a statement.

"The sacrifice they and their families make is extraordinary and is felt heavily in hearts throughout Alberta and across Canada."

The release did not say how old Gadwa was or how long he'd served as a firefighter. The premier's office said the cause of death is not being made public at this time.

There are currently more than 200 Alberta firefighters deployed in other provinces, with the majority in Ontario.