Strong winds fueled grass fire at Canadian military base that killed four

Flames at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright killed four Canadian soldiers and left 19 others in critical condition, according to officials. The fire began as a smoldering grass fire in the base's training area, where personnel were conducting exercises. Winds up to 96 kilometers per hour fueled the blaze, which started around 4 p.m. on Saturday.

However, the winds were below 50 kilometers per hour prior to the fire, Major General Wade Rutland said. The rapid spread of the fire, advancing 1 km in 30 to 60 seconds, was described as an "uncommon" event by Rutland, commander of the 1st Canadian Division based in Edmonton. Prime Minister Mark Carney has described the incident as one of the worst peacetime tragedies for Canada's military on home soil.

Flags on federal buildings across the country have been lowered to half-staff in honor of the victims. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stated that many of the injured will require weeks or months of specialized, intensive medical care. The fire occurred while 85 soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, were undergoing high-intensity combat training using live munitions.

The incident is still under investigation, and officials do not believe the extensive oil and gas infrastructure in the region had anything to do with the fire.