SMOL: Canadian Forces members wounded in Wainwright fire must not be forgotten

The Canadian Armed Forces has described the October 17 fire at CFB Wainwright as an "entirely anomalous" event triggered by a common grass fire that spread a kilometer in 30 to 60 seconds due to "uncommonly strong winds." According to Global News, an analysis of satellite imagery and weather records reviewed by seven Canadian wildfire experts suggests a different account. While soldiers continued training that day, satellites indicated the fire had already begun to spread.

Experts interviewed by Global News noted that Environment Canada had forecast a cold front bringing powerful winds the day before, and wind warnings were issued for the area. These experts stated that the flames were unlikely to have traveled at the speed reported by the military, though they acknowledged that estimates made during a traumatic event might be imprecise.

Furthermore, experts told Global News that base leadership should have been aware of the dangers posed by the incoming weather despite the wind warnings and the actively spreading fire.

Brief written by urgent.news from Toronto Sun, Global News — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.