Four soldiers killed, dozens injured in fire and explosion at Alberta military base
A grass fire whipped by high winds overtook soldiers on a firing range, causing an explosion at the training facility.
WAINWRIGHT · Four soldiers were killed and dozens more injured in a fire and explosion at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in central Alberta on Saturday. Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed the fatalities and injuries resulting from the incident at the base, located roughly 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton. Premier Danielle Smith said Sunday that 39 people were injured, with 19 in critical condition. The Canadian Armed Forces said a preliminary investigation suggests a munition from a live training exercise sparked a fast-moving grass fire, which caused an explosion.
"The loss of life and injuries are heartbreaking," Smith said during a news conference in Edmonton. Prime Minister Mark Carney called it one of the "worst tragedies for the (Armed Forces) on Canadian soil in peacetime." The four deceased soldiers were identified as Sgt. Morgan Wong, Pte. Shaun Farrell, Pte. Aidan Goulding and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark, all based at Edmonton and serving with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
Early military reports viewed by The Globe and Mail say the deadly blaze began as a smoldering grass fire that was whipped into a "wall of flame" by high winds. The flames then overtook Canadian Armed Forces members who were on a firing range. A report issued Saturday night suggests an "unexpected and sudden wind change" took place during the incident, with gusts up to 100 kilometres an hour recorded in the area. "During training a grass fire ignited, and strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly and shift direction; the fire shifted toward the personnel on the range and overtook their admin area," one report says.
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Major-General Wade Rutland said the soldiers were doing high-intensity preparatory combat training with live munitions, in advance of deployments to Latvia in April and May. The Canadian Armed Forces confirmed the fire ignited within a training area at approximately 4 p.m. MT on Saturday. "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.
Emergency response was extensive, with a "Code Orange" activated at several Alberta hospitals to coordinate care for multiple severe patients. Acute Care Alberta said the alert was ended by Sunday afternoon. Patients were transferred from Wainwright Health Centre to the University of Alberta Hospital, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Foothills Medical Centre and Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. STARS air ambulance reported sending two helicopters from Edmonton and Saskatoon.
Flags were lowered to half-mast at provincial buildings in Alberta and federal buildings across the country. Condolences poured in from political leaders and the royal family. "My wife and I were greatly shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright," King Charles said in a statement. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, whose riding includes the base, paid homage at a press conference in Wainwright. "There are acts of courage that are almost unimaginable," he said.
Wainwright Fire Chief Aime Smyl said about 30 firefighters were still working to put out hot spots in the area on Sunday afternoon. The Municipal District of Wainwright announced late Saturday that the fire was being held and that property and critical infrastructure were protected. The Alberta Energy Regulator said Sunday it had not received any reports of incidents involving energy infrastructure, though multiple oil and gas producers operate on the base property. The Union of National Defence Employees expressed its support. "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the devastating fire at CFB Wainwright, especially the families, military personnel, civilian workers and community members impacted by this tragic incident," said president June Winger. Premier Scott Moe said Saskatchewan deployed resources to help Alberta first responders, and B.C. Premier David Eby said his government had also offered help.
With files from The Canadian Press, CityNews and Global News