Four Canadian soldiers were killed in a fire at a military base in Alberta, Canada, according to official reports. The incident has been described as one of the worst peacetime tragedies for the Canadian military on home soil.
The fire, which started at 4 p.m. MDT on Saturday, was fueled by strong winds that spread the flames rapidly. Major General Wade Rutland, commander of 1st Canadian Division, described the event as 'uncommon, rapid,' with flames advancing 1 km in 30 to 60 seconds. Officials identified the dead as Sergeant Morgan Wong, Private Shaun Farrell, Private Aidan Goulding, and Private Hayden Lykkemark.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has ordered flags on federal buildings to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the victims. The incident remains under investigation, with officials ruling out outside interference and linking the fire to the region's extensive oil and gas infrastructure. Military and civilian firefighters fought the fire through the night in some of the worst conditions imaginable.
The fire crossed established firebreaks before being contained with help from municipal firefighters. Officials do not believe the region's extensive oil and gas infrastructure had anything to do with the incident, he said. He also ruled out 'outside interference.'