Quebec coroner says poor planning, lack of training contributed to deaths of firefighters
An investigation conducted by a Quebec coroner into the tragic deaths of two volunteer firefighters during a water rescue in Saint-Urbain, Quebec in 2023 revealed that their untimely demise was the result of a series of unfortunate events. The coroner’s report, spanning 39 pages, highlighted significant deficiencies that contributed to the fatalities, including inadequate emergency planning, insufficient training, and lack of proper equipment for water-related interventions.
On May 1, 2023, Régis Lavoie, a 55-year-old volunteer firefighter, and Christopher Lavoie, a 23-year-old firefighter in training, lost their lives while attempting to rescue a couple trapped in their home by rising waters from the Gouffre River, which had overflowed due to heavy rainfall and snowmelt. The fast-flowing current made it challenging for the firefighters to control the amphibious ATV they were using, leading to their eventual immersion in the water and subsequent drowning.
The coroner, Andrée Kronström, emphasized the need for improved coordination of municipal resources and enhanced collaboration among municipalities within the same regional county to prevent such tragedies in the future. Kronström noted that the municipal civil security plan was not adequately known, and the deployment of resources did not align with the urgency of the situation, prompting the ill-fated decision to use a personal amphibious vehicle ill-suited for the treacherous waters.
In her report, Kronström stressed the importance of providing comprehensive training for firefighters to ensure their safety during natural disasters, advocating for a reevaluation of hero culture and its integration into the firefighter curriculum in Quebec. Expert testimony during the inquiry suggested that the safest course of action on that day would have been for the firefighters to refrain from intervening.
The report revealed that the firefighters were not wearing personal flotation devices and the available life jackets were incompatible with their firefighting gear, rendering them vulnerable in the water. Kronström highlighted the need for a balanced and safe approach to the “need to rescue” mentality prevalent among firefighters, urging a prioritization of safety above all else.
The mayor of Saint-Urbain, Claudette Simard, welcomed the coroner’s report, acknowledging the challenges faced by small municipalities in handling natural disasters. Simard emphasized the need for additional volunteer firefighters and enhanced training, as well as the implementation of updated public security emergency plans and alert systems to better prepare for future emergencies.
Efforts are underway to collaborate with neighboring municipalities to share resources and services for improved emergency response. The goal is to establish an inter-municipal service agreement by January 2026. While the town is committed to implementing all recommendations, they are hopeful for increased support and financial resources from the provincial government to bolster their preparedness and response capabilities.
In response to the report, Quebec’s Public Security Ministry stated that they would review the findings and recommendations, highlighting existing measures taken to mitigate disaster risks and enhance response capacities. The tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of adequate training, equipment, and coordination in ensuring the safety of first responders during crises.
