Police say four BC Wildfire Service subcontractors were killed in a two-vehicle head-on crash on the Trans-Canada Highway between Savona and Cache Creek, west of Kamloops, early Tuesday morning.

In a statement, RCMP Southeast District spokesperson, Cpl. James Grandy says emergency crews were called to a crash between a Ford F-350 pick-up truck and a semi near Juniper Beach Provincial Park around 2 a.m. on Sept. 19.

Grandy says all four victims – who were in the Ford truck – were pronounced dead at the scene. He also notes crews arrived to find the semi on fire, but says the driver was able to get out before the vehicle was engulfed in flames.

“Tragically, the four individuals have been identified as BC Wildfire Service sub-contractors who were traveling home from assisting with fire suppression efforts,” Grandy said. “This year has been particularly challenging for the BC Wildfire Service, with several of its members facing injuries or losing their lives.”

“Our thoughts are with the friends and family of those who help keep our Province safe.”

In a statement, BC Premier David Eby and Forests Minster Bruce Ralston says the four people killed were helping out with wildfire response efforts near Vanderhoof.

“Our hearts are broken by news of the death of four wildfire fighters who were travelling home after a tour of duty and were in a motor vehicle accident near Cache Creek,” the statement said. “Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues grieving the loss of these brave individuals.”

“This is devastating news in what has been an immensely difficult wildfire season. We stand with wildfire fighters and all BC Wildfire Service personnel as they mourn the death of colleagues and co-workers yet again.”

Two other BC Wildfire Service firefighters – Devyn Gale and Zac Muise – were killed on the job this summer.

“Firefighters are on the front lines in so many parts of B.C., creating hope from despair and working tirelessly to save lives and livelihoods,” Eby and Ralston said Wednesday.

“Words cannot express the depth of our gratitude.”

Grandy says an initial investigation into the crash determined that the pick-up failed to navigate a bend in the road and crossed the centre median into the path of the oncoming semi.

Highway 1 was closed in both directions for several hours allowing crews to investigate. It fully reopened to all traffic around 1:30 p.m., nearly 12 hours after the crash.

“An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the collision,” Grandy said. “Assistance is provided by both the BC Coroner Service and BC Highway Patrol’s Collision Reconstructionist.”