Four members of the Canadian military died in a fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta on 17 October. The deceased were identified as Sgt Morgan Wong, Pte Shaun Farrell, Pte Aidan Goulding and Pte Hayden Lykkemark.
Dozens of people were injured in the blaze, with Danielle Smith stating that 39 people were being cared for in hospital. Smith also confirmed that at least 19 of those injured are in a critical condition.
The fire started at 16:00 local time and is now contained. Maj-Gen Wade Rutland stated that infantry members were conducting high-intensity combat training with live munitions at a grenade range and attack range when the incident occurred.
Rutland explained that a grass fire ignited approximately 1km away and moved toward the attack range, while uncommonly strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly and shift direction towards the range administrative area. The Major-General added that there was a multitude of ordnance moving through the Wainwright training area.
Officials and the Canadian Armed Forces stated there are no indications the incident was the result of any terrorist activity. Rutland further claimed the incident was not a result of any oil and gas infrastructure nor any outside interference.
Bruce Pugh noted that cannon fire was heard coming from the base on Saturday before it suddenly stopped. The Royal Alexandra Hospital declared a code orange, a disaster-response protocol for a high-casualty incident, but the status has since been stood down.
A provincial health agency deployed 30 units directly into Wainwright, including 22 ground ambulances, six fixed-wing and two rotary wing units. STARS deployed aircraft and crews from Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Calgary to assist.
Wainwright is located about 210km east of Edmonton, Alberta, and typically hosts about 690 military personnel and 300 civilian workers on site. Warren Thirsk said the situation was completely overwhelmed.
"The nation is in mourning for those brave members of our armed forces who we have lost," Prime Minister Mark Carney said.
Mark Carney
