Four soldiers killed, dozens injured in CFB Wainwright fire
Prime Minister Mark Carney says four Canadian Armed Forces members died and dozens were seriously injured in the Saturday incident.
WAINWRIGHT — A fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday killed four military members and seriously injured dozens more, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Sunday.
Carney called the incident "one of the worst tragedies that our armed forces have experienced on Canadian soil in peacetime."
"Those we lost, those who were injured, were training to defend Canada. To serve Canada. And now Canada serves them," Carney said in an address from Parliament Hill. "We will be there for their families for as long as they need."
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The Canadian Armed Forces confirmed the fire ignited within a training area at approximately 4 p.m. MT on Saturday.
A preliminary investigation suggests a munition from a live training exercise sparked a fast-moving grass fire, which caused an explosion, multiple military sources told Global News.
"The fire spread rapidly beyond the boundaries of the training area, while military and civilian emergency services responded quickly to control that fire and to support those affected by this tragic event," the CAF said in a news release.
When the fire broke out, much of Alberta was under wind warnings with up to 100 km/h wind gusts fuelling the flames.
Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed Saturday evening there had been deaths and injuries and described the situation as "very active and delicate."
"On the ground we have Canadian Forces members and the RCMP," McGuinty said, adding that the fire remained under close watch.
He said he could not recall a similar incident during his time as defence minister or in recent memory.
Emergency response
Acute Care Alberta declared a "Code Orange" at several hospitals across the province, including the Royal Alexandra Hospital and the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton.
The agency said the code is declared when health resources need to be co-ordinated to respond "to an incident that results in multiple severe patients needing care at the same time."
It advised people in the Edmonton area to avoid the University of Alberta Hospital emergency department and urged those with non-emergency issues to consider other care options.
STARS Air Ambulance spokesperson Natalie Hofstetter said aircraft had been dispatched from Edmonton and Saskatoon.
By 11 p.m. Saturday, the Municipal District of Wainwright announced the fire was being held and that property and critical infrastructure were protected.
"A fire watch will remain in place to monitor the affected area and address any changing conditions," the municipality said.
No evacuation order had been issued as of Saturday evening. Residents were asked to avoid the area and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan said the CAF and Department of National Defence are working with partners across the federal, provincial and municipal governments to "mobilize all necessary support."
"While casualty identification and notification processes are ongoing, I extend my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives," Carignan said Saturday.
Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour extended her support Sunday morning.
"As Commander-in-Chief, and on behalf of all Canadians, I extend my support to the military members, families, and community affected by the fire at CFB Wainwright," Arbour said in a statement.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described the incident as a "significant and tragic fire" affecting military personnel.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said his province is sending help, and B.C. Premier David Eby said his government has also reached out to offer assistance.
CFB Wainwright, located roughly 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton, is one of Canada’s largest military training facilities.
Carney said flags would be flown at half-mast at federal buildings across the country to honour those who died.
With files from The Canadian Press, CityNews and Global News