©GeoReach

Two years after a man died while fighting a wildfire in Jasper National Park, workplace safety charges have been laid against Alberta’s Ministry of Forestry and Parks in connection with his death. Morgan Kitchen, 24, of Calgary was fatally struck by a tree on Aug. 3, 2024, while working as a wildland firefighter after the Jasper townsite went up in flames. Charges laid against the ministry — Kitchen’s employer — revolve around a string of alleged workplace safety violations under Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act. The six charges, laid on July 29, allege the Alberta government failed to ensure the safety of workers by not adequately assessing and controlling hazards at the worksite and also failing to adequately train workers. OHS also alleged the province failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm, like cutting down hazardous trees or establishing a no-work zone.