The key facts

  • The fire broke out on Saturday afternoon at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, about 200 km southeast of Edmonton
  • Four soldiers were killed and 39 injured; the fire covered nearly a kilometre in less than a minute
  • 50 investigators are conducting the investigation; the cause of the fire has not been established

What happened

On Saturday afternoon, a fire broke out during a live-fire training exercise at the Canadian military base Wainwright (Canadian Forces Base Wainwright), located about 200 km southeast of Edmonton in the province of Alberta. It involved soldiers of the Third Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, and reservists from the Army Reserve who were training alongside them. The fire spread beyond the training area, and strong winds complicated the fight against the flames.

Course of the fire and consequences

According to Prime Minister Mark Carney, fire fuelled by a fierce wind was burning in the training area: 'The fire covered almost a kilometre in less than a minute and reached the place where the soldiers had gathered.' He added that at the end of the day on Saturday 'within a few minutes, 39 soldiers were injured and four were killed.' Military and civilian crews fought the fire 'in unimaginably difficult conditions.' Carney honoured the memory of the fallen: 'They were preparing to defend Canada and to serve Canada. Now Canada serves them.'

Investigation

The cause of the fire has not yet been established. The investigation is being led by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service with the support of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Carney called it comprehensive and stated in the House of Commons in Ottawa that 50 investigators are already working at the scene: 'We will provide them with all the necessary resources so that they can complete their work thoroughly and promptly.'