Fire at Canadian military base in Alberta killed 4 soldiers and injured 19 others, with flames spreading nearly a kilometer in under a minute. Prime Minister Mark Carney called it one of the worst tragedies for the forces on Canadian soil in peacetime.
The fire broke out at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright during live-fire exercises, with strong winds driving the blaze toward personnel. Officials say the cause is still under investigation, with no terrorist activity ruled out. At least 19 of 39 injured are in critical condition.
Canadian officials are reviewing the incident, with 50 investigators on the ground to determine the fire's origin. The fire crossed established firebreaks before being contained with help from municipal firefighters. Carney said the incident highlights the need for improved safety measures in military training.
Officials have ruled out oil and gas infrastructure as the cause, though some witnesses reported explosions, fueling speculation. The fire's rapid spread, driven by ferocious winds, suggests human error or sparks from live-fire exercises may have triggered it.