Four service members killed in fire at Canadian military base

Fire during military training

A fast-moving fire broke out in a training area at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta while troops were taking part in military exercises. Major-General Wade Rutland said a grass fire ignited in the area and spread rapidly after winds shifted.

The fire reached a section where soldiers were conducting simulated attacks. About 84 soldiers from Charlie Company of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, were split between a grenade range and the simulated-attack area. Rutland said the cause of the fire remained under investigation.

Deaths and medical response

Four service members were killed, and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said 39 people were in hospital, at least 19 in critical condition. The four people killed were identified as Sgt Morgan Wong and Privates Shaun Farrell, Aidan Goulding and Hayden Lykkemark.

Patients were transferred from Wainwright to four hospitals in Alberta. The response included ground ambulances, aircraft and helicopters; hospitals activated a Code Orange to coordinate care for a mass-casualty incident. The emergency designation was later lifted.

Investigation and containment

Rutland said military officials had known about a fire in the area for several hours and believed it was contained before changing winds drove it towards the training activity. He described the fire’s rapid movement as unusual. The military said there were no indications of terrorism, while investigators examined how the fire started and spread.

The fire crossed established firebreaks and was contained with help from municipal firefighters. The Municipal District of Wainwright said property and critical infrastructure were protected and no evacuation order had been issued.