Canada suffers one of the worst peacetime tragedies for its military on domestic soil as four service members die in a fire at a base in Alberta

Four Canadian military personnel died and dozens were injured in a fire at a training base in Alberta, marking one of the worst peacetime tragedies for the nation's armed forces on domestic soil, stated Prime Minister Mark Carney on Sunday. Firefighters battled the blaze, which flared out of control due to strong winds, beyond the base's boundaries and into the surrounding rural area.

No evidence suggested the incident was a terrorist attack, but the cause remained under investigation. Carney addressed the families of the fallen service members and announced that flags across Canada would fly at half-staff in honor of those affected. The incident involved reservists and soldiers from the prestigious Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, who had gathered at Wainwright for training.

The exact number of injured was not immediately known, but hospitals in Edmonton, Red Deer, and Calgary were treating the wounded. Dr. Warren Thirsk, an emergency physician at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, described the situation as "a disaster" with a patient load that the city had never seen before. Wainwright Mayor Bruce Pugh said the town's hospital was overwhelmed and that patients were being airlifted to other facilities.

The incident occurred during a severe windstorm, which had brought gusts up to 100 kph (62 mph) and caused widespread damage and disrupted emergency services. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police were leading the investigation, and Defense Minister David McGuinty, who traveled to Edmonton, described the situation as "very, very active and delicate."

Canadian Premier Danielle Smith expressed her condolences, and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre offered support.