Officials say blaze that killed 4 soldiers at canadian military base sparked on grenade launcher range
Fire began during training
The blaze broke out last week on a grenade launcher range at a Canadian military base in Alberta, officials said Thursday. Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, and Army reservists were conducting live-fire training.
About 84 Charlie Company soldiers were training at two locations. One was for throwing grenades, while the other involved attacks on simulated enemy positions; the fire swept into the second area.
Danger area limited response
The fire initially remained within the range's Permanent Danger Area 2, Hanrahan said. That restricted firefighters’ ability to fight the flames directly, so crews monitored the blaze throughout the day.
Investigators examine spread
Carney said 50 investigators had been brought in to investigate the fire. The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service is leading the probe, with support from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Key points
- Officials said the fire began on a grenade launcher range during training at an Alberta military base.
- Four soldiers were killed and several dozen others were injured.
- The fire spread into the area where soldiers practiced attacks on simulated enemy positions.
- Investigators are examining how the fire spread and whether safety procedures should change.