4 dead, 39 injured at Canadian military base in grass fire fanned by high winds, officials say
CALGARY — A fire that killed at least four soldiers and left 19 people in critical condition began with a smoldering grass fire that ignited in an Alberta military base's training area where personnel were drilling, Canadian officials said Sunday. Officials said 39 people were in hospitals as a result of the fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, which began around 4 p.m. MDT (2200 GMT) on…
A devastating fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright claimed the lives of at least four soldiers and left 39 others in critical condition, Canadian officials reported on Sunday. The fire, which ignited around 4 p.m. MDT on Saturday, began as a smoldering grass fire in the base's training area. High winds, reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, fueled the flames.
Major General Wade Rutland, commander of 1st Canadian Division, described the fire as an uncommon and rapid event, stating that he'd never witnessed such a situation. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney characterized the fire as one of the worst peacetime tragedies for Canada's armed forces on home soil, ordering flags at federal buildings across the country to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the fallen soldiers.
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