19.10.2026 11:05
Four soldiers were killed and 39 people were injured, 19 of them seriously, in a grassland fire that broke out during military training at Wainwright Military Base in Canada’s Alberta province and spread rapidly with strong winds. The identities of the soldiers who died have been determined. Canada’s Department of National Defence reported that there is no evidence that the fire was terrorism-related. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
The death toll has risen after a fire broke out on Saturday at the Wainwright Military Base in Canada. Authorities announced that 39 people were receiving hospital treatment in the fire, in which 4 soldiers died.
IT BROKE OUT DURING TRAINING AND SPREAD WITH THE WIND
The fire at the base about 180 kilometers southeast of Edmonton broke out around 4:00 p.m. local time during the soldiers’ training. The fire, which started in a grassy area, spread quickly under the influence of winds reaching 100 kilometers per hour. Major General Wade Rutland, commander of the 1st Canadian Division, said the fire crossed the firebreaks created in the area. The fire was brought under control during the night with the support of local teams. No evacuation decision was made in the region.
IDENTITIES OF THE SOLDIERS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED
It was announced that the soldiers who lost their lives in the fire were Sergeant Morgan Wong and Privates Shaun Farrell, Aidan Goulding, and Hayden Lykkemark. All of the soldiers were serving in the 3rd Battalion of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). Wong, a member of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, was also assigned to this battalion.
“HOSPITALS ARE COMPLETELY FULL”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced that 39 injured people were continuing to receive treatment in hospital, and that at least 19 of them were in critical condition. Smith described the fire as “massive and tragic.” The injured were distributed to 4 separate hospitals in Alberta. It was stated that treatment for some injured people with severe burns could last for weeks, even months. Dr. Warren Thirsk of the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton said local health facilities were “completely full” and described the situation as a “disaster.”
“NO EVIDENCE OF TERRORISM”
The Canadian Department of National Defence announced that there was no evidence that the fire was terrorism-related. Major General Rutland also said it was assessed that the explosion sounds heard during the incident were not caused by the fire reaching oil or natural gas facilities or by “outside interference.” Rutland also noted that more than one training activity was taking place in the area at the same time.
The Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Defence Minister David McGuinty said the situation was “very active and sensitive.”
CARNEY: OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH THOSE AFFECTED
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a post on his social media account, “Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected.” Carney requested detailed information from senior officials in the region. Defence Minister McGuinty also said he was saddened to share that there had been loss of life and injuries in the incident at the base. Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre called on citizens to follow emergency instructions and keep roads clear.