A major fire at the Canadian Forces Base Wainwright resulted in four deaths and dozens of injuries. Officials are currently investigating the cause.
A large fire broke out at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta. The blaze killed four military members. Dozens of other people suffered injuries during the incident.
Next, Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the nation from Ottawa. He called this event a major tragedy for the Canadian forces. He noted it is one of the worst peacetime incidents ever.
Meanwhile, the four victims include Sgt Morgan Wong and Pte Shaun Farrell. Pte Aidan Goulding and Pte Hayden Lykkemark also died in the fire. Officials confirmed these names on Sunday.
Also, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith provided an update on the injured. She said 39 people require hospital care. At least 19 of those patients remain in critical condition.
Then, officials explained how the fire started. Infantry soldiers performed combat training with live ammunition at the base. A grass fire began about one kilometer away from the training area.
However, strong winds caused the flames to move quickly. The fire shifted direction toward the administrative area of the range. This created a very dangerous situation for the soldiers present.
After that, Major-General Wade Rutland spoke about the cause. He stated that the fire does not involve terrorist activity. He also ruled out any interference from oil or gas infrastructure.
Still, medical teams worked hard to help the wounded. Local hospitals felt overwhelmed by the high number of patients. Officials deployed dozens of ambulances and air units to transport those who were hurt.
Now, fire and rescue crews remain at the base. They watch for any potential flare-ups. Wainwright serves as a major training site for Canadian troops and their allies.
Finally, investigators continue to review the incident. They want to understand exactly how the grass fire began. The nation currently mourns the loss of these brave service members.