Four Canadian soldiers killed, 39 hospitalised in Alberta military base wildfire
The fire broke out on Saturday night, causing minor initial damage, but was whipped into a blaze after winds of 100 kph (62 mph) hit the area
At least four Canadian service members were killed and 39 hospitalized after a wildfire engulfed a Canadian military base in Alberta on Sunday.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced that four service members had been killed and39 hospitalized, including 19 in critical condition. Some suffered severe burns and could require weeks or months of intensive treatment.
Prime Minister Mark Carney described the disaster as one of the worst peacetime tragedies for Canada’s military on domestic soil.
Carney said the families of those killed had been notified and that the situation was still evolving. He added that the service members were participating in military training when the fire broke out.
He ordered flags to fly at half-staff on federal buildings throughout the country.
Defense Minister David McGuinty said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were investigating the incident and said authorities were still working to determine the exact cause of the fire.
The fire broke out on Saturday night, causing minor initial damage, but was whipped into a blaze after winds of 100 kph (62 mph) hit the area.
CFB Wainwright is one of Canada's main training bases and regularly receives recruits and reservists undertaking training exercises. The base reportedly had over 1,000 personnel stationed there as of 2021.
The disaster struck just one day before Albertans were due to go to the polls for multiple referendums aimed at granting the province greater autonomy.