Training Exercise Fire at Alberta Military Base Kills Four, Leaves 19 in Critical Condition in Canada

Fire spreads during training

The fire began at about 4 p.m. local time Saturday at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, a major military training site. It started in a grass-covered training area during an exercise involving the Third Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.

Maj. Gen. Wade Rutland, commander of the 1st Canadian Division, said several training activities were underway. He said unusually strong winds pushed the fire quickly toward the range administrative area. The cause remains under investigation.

Four service members dead

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Sunday that 39 people were in hospital after the fire. At least 19 were in critical condition, and four people had died. Prime Minister Mark Carney said the four service members’ loved ones had been notified. He described the incident as one of the worst tragedies the army had faced during peacetime and said the injured would receive care throughout their recovery.

Hospitals face heavy demand

Patients were taken to hospitals across Edmonton, about 180 kilometers northwest of the base, according to a doctor who spoke to CBC. Dr. Warren Thirsk, an emergency department physician at Royal Alexandra Hospital, said medical facilities around the base had been overwhelmed. Thirsk said the number of patients would overwhelm Edmonton and called the event a disaster occurring once every 15 to 25 years.

Wind drives response

The Municipal District of Wainwright said high winds were helping the fire spread. It reported that the blaze had crossed the base fence and that emergency crews were working to protect people, homes and other structures.

The incident came days before Alberta’s October 19 referendum on whether the province should begin the process of separating from Canada. Alberta is home to the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserves.