Aussie helicopter pilot Thomas Frith killed fighting wild fires in Canada

An Australian helicopter pilot remembered as “a beacon of light” has died fighting wildfires in Canada.

Thomas Firth was working for Great Slave Helicopters in Fort Good Hope in the Northwest Territories when his helicopter crashed on June 28.

His employer paid tribute to the father, saying it was with profound sadness they acknowledged the loss of one of their own.

“He was a beacon of light, beloved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Tom passed away while battling wildfire near Fort Good Hope, NT, a testament to his unwavering courage and dedication,” the statement read.

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Tributes have flooded social media remembering Australian helicopter pilot Thomas Firth who died fighting wild fires in Canada. Picture. Facebook Credit: Supplied

“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.”

His father Peter Firth told the Dalby Herald in Queensland that his son is survived by his two sons, wife, his parents and four brothers.

“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 Firth said.

“He had been fighting this fire for about a month. When we catch our breath we will have a memorial service for him.”

Tributes flooded social media remembering Firth as a man who brightened their day no matter how hard or down they were feeling.

“This man brightened my day no matter (what). Never had a bond with a pilot like I had with Tom. Rip brother the diamond drilling community loved you big time,” Cole Alexander Paul Zammit wrote on social media.

technology, news, australia, environment, nt news, qld news, regional wa, tas news, vic news, aussie helicopter pilot thomas frith killed fighting wild fires in canada

Australian helicopter pilot Thomas Frith has died fighting fires in Canada. Picture. 7NEWS Credit: Supplied

NWT Fire said Tom did unbelievable acts of service for their territory.

“So many had the privilege of knowing him in our program. Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with his friends, family, and everyone at Great Slave Helicopters in the wake of this tragedy,” NWT Fire said.

“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.”

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