Four Canadian Soldiers Killed, Dozens Injured in Alberta Military Base Fire
A fast-moving fire, fanned by strong winds, swept through soldiers conducting live-fire training at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright.
Four Canadian service members were killed and 39 others were injured when a rapidly spreading fire engulfed troops during live-fire training at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, officials confirmed Sunday. The blaze erupted Saturday when a sudden shift in powerful winds sent flames racing toward the soldiers.
Of the 39 injured, 19 were in critical condition, while eight others were listed as stable and 12 were treated for less serious injuries. Military officials had been aware of the fire for hours but believed it was contained enough for training to continue, according to Maj. Gen. Wade Rutland, commander of the Edmonton-based 1st Canadian Division.
"The fire was a kilometer away when the wind shifted. That is not normal for a fire to move a kilometer in 36 seconds," Rutland stated. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The deceased soldiers were identified as Sgt. Morgan Wong, who was with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, and Privates Shaun Farrell, Aidan Goulding, and Hayden Lykkemark, all from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. All four were serving with the same Edmonton-based battalion.
Prime Minister Mark Carney described the incident as one of the worst peacetime tragedies to affect Canada's armed forces on home soil. Flags will be flown at half-staff on federal buildings nationwide in honor of the fallen and injured.
Emergency crews and air ambulances responded to the base, with wounded personnel transported to hospitals in Wainwright, Edmonton, Red Deer, and Calgary. Several hospitals across Alberta initiated a "Code Orange," a designation for mass-casualty incidents, to prepare for the influx of patients.
Military and civilian firefighters worked through the night to combat the flames, which were intensified by the strong winds. The fire spread beyond the base perimeter into the surrounding area, though no evacuation orders were issued, and officials indicated by Sunday that the blaze was not expected to spread further.
Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty remarked that he could not recall a similar incident in recent memory. He also commended the efforts of the emergency crews who battled the fire throughout the night.