Devyn Gale
Wildland Firefighter
Story
DEVYN GALE - Columbia Initial Attack, BCWS, Revelstoke, BC
Devyn Gale was a wildland firefighter with Columbia Initial Attack in Revelstoke, BC for three seasons. She started as a Junior Firefighter out of high school and came back for more summer seasons while attending UBCO, Kelowna where she was studying to be a registered nurse.
Devyn loved firefighting. She loved the camaraderie of her crewmates, being outside in nature and the physical challenge of the work. She was happiest getting dirty and found every opportunity to jump into a lake to get cleaned up.
Devyn was a loving daughter, sister, and friend. She was kind and caring and always worked hard at everything she did. She was an academic and an athlete in high school and graduated with the Top All Round Student Award among other accomplishments. At UBCO, she completed the first two years of her BSc Nursing program with straight A’s. She gave back to her school and her community by mentoring and coaching in swimming, gymnastics trampoline and volleyball.
On July 13, 2023, Devyn was struck and killed by a falling Western Cedar while fighting a fire by Hiren Creek outside Revelstoke, BC. The Western Cedar was her favourite tree. She was 19.
The world lost a shining star, and she is missed beyond measure by her family and friends.