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SLAVE LAKE, Alberta – A helicopter responding to the fire situation in Slave Lake crashed on Friday near the town.

RCMP have confirmed that the male pilot of the helicopter, who was the only person on board at the time, died in the crash.

The name of the pilot has not been released pending notification of next of kin.

Officials say it is too early to say what caused the crash.

According to the province, the helicopter is a Bell 212 helicopter owned and operated by Campbell Helicopters out of Abbotsford, B.C.

The helicopter crashed in shallow water approximately 30 metres off the shore of Slave Lake.

STARS Air Ambulance was dispatched to the area around 3.00 PM Friday, but the call was cancelled while the ambulance was enroute, as they were not medically required.

Canyon Creek is about 20 kilometres northwest of the town of Slave Lake in an area where forest fires are being fought.

“This is a sad loss for everyone in Alberta. Our hearts and prayers are with the pilot’s family and friends,” said Mel Knight, Minister of Sustainable Resource Development. “What a terrible way to be reminded of the courage our wildfire fighters display by being on the front lines for all of us.”

One third of Slave Lake was levelled during the weekend when a forest fire invaded the town of 7,000 and razed hundreds of homes and businesses. Thousands are still housed in emergency evacuation centres in several Alberta centres waiting to return.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach were touring the area by helicopter on Friday.

The premier issued a statement after the crash.

“My heart goes out to the family of this helicopter pilot,” Premier Stelmach said. “Today’s tragic news drives home the reality that the brave men and women fighting the fires in Alberta put their lives on the line every day to keep Albertans and our communities safe.

“On behalf of my wife Marie, my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family.”

Fire, RCMP and Emergency Medical Services who responded were treated for hypothermia.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has been notified about the crash. The TSBC will be on scene on Saturday, and they will investigate the crash.