Four dead, dozens injured in Canada military base fire. Strong winds fueled a grass fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, killing four soldiers and injuring 39 as emergency crews fought the blaze through the night.
The fire, which broke out at 4 p.m. MDT on Saturday, spread rapidly due to high winds, causing it to advance 1 km in 30 to 60 seconds. It occurred during high-intensity combat training with live munitions, involving 85 soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
Prime Minister Mark Carney described the incident as one of the worst peacetime tragedies for Canada's military, with flags lowered to half-staff across the country. The fire is under investigation, and officials have ruled out any connection to oil and gas infrastructure or outside interference.
The fire has overwhelmed local healthcare facilities, with at least 19 of the 39 injured in critical condition. Military and civilian firefighters worked through the night in harsh conditions to contain the blaze, which is now contained but remains under investigation.