Alberta fire leaves four service members killed, dozens injured in military base blaze

Fire spreads beyond base

The fire broke out around 4 p.m. Saturday as reservists and soldiers from Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry took part in training exercises at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright. Fierce autumn winds carried flames beyond the base into nearby rural areas.

Wind gusts reached 62 mph during the day, toppling trees and sending signs and garbage cans flying. Firefighters faced volatile conditions as they worked to contain the blaze.

Casualties and emergency care

Four service members were killed: Privates Aidan Goulding, Shaun Farrell and Hayden Lykkemark, and Sergeant Morgan Wong. Smith said 39 other people were being treated for injuries, including at least 19 in critical condition.

Hospitals across Edmonton received patients after medical facilities near the base became overwhelmed. Dr Warren Thirsk of the Royal Alexandra Hospital told CBC that the number of patients would overwhelm Edmonton.

Acute Care Alberta said several hospitals activated a Code Orange for coordinated care of multiple severely injured patients. Wainwright Mayor Bruce Pugh said the town’s small hospital was not designed for a mass-casualty event, and helicopters and planes transported patients elsewhere.

Community and official response

Local resident Brandon Simmons told CNN that injured people were taken to hospital wrapped in tin foil blankets. Simmons described the scene as “like a scene from a war movie.” Another resident, Hana Bartley, told CNN the town had “gone crazy” as emergency vehicle sirens sounded and people turned to Facebook to speculate. At least 10 ambulances were at or near the Wainwright health centre late Saturday.

Voting and wider impact

Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, McGuinty said he could not recall a similar incident in his time as a minister or in recent memory. He said officials would provide more information in the coming hours and days.