Four soldiers killed and dozens injured in fire at Canadian military base in Alberta, with winds up to 96km/h fueling the blaze. Prime Minister Mark Carney called the incident one of the worst peacetime tragedies for Canada's military.
The fire, which began during high-intensity combat training at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, spread rapidly due to sudden wind shifts, sending flames racing through the base. Officials identified four soldiers as dead, including Sgt Morgan Wong and three privates from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light infantry.
Canada’s defense minister described the event as a 'terrible incident' and emphasized the need for a detailed account from military officials. The incident has led to a mass-casualty medical response, with health staff declaring a 'code orange' to coordinate care for those affected.
The fire, which began around 4pm on Saturday, is under investigation, with officials ruling out external interference or links to the region's oil and gas infrastructure. Military and civilian firefighters worked through the night in extreme conditions to contain the blaze.