Four Canadian soldiers have died and dozens more have been injured in a fire at the Wainwright military base in Alberta, Canada; the soldiers were participating in training exercises ahead of a planned mission to Latvia next year, reports BBC.On the 18th of October, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that the incident ranks among the greatest tragedies to befall the military on Canadian soil during peacetime.The fire broke out on the afternoon of the 17th of October, around 4:00 local time. It has since been extinguished. Carney said that the entire nation is mourning the loss of these brave soldiers.As of the evening of the 18th of October, 39 injured individuals remained in the hospital, 19 of whom are in critical condition. Firefighters continue to work at the scene to ensure the fire does not reignite. Major General Wade Rutland informed journalists that infantry troops were conducting high-intensity live-fire combat training, during which ten soldiers were simultaneously practicing an assault on an enemy position. A large quantity of ammunition, grenade launchers, grenades, and small arms were being used at the training ground. The fire first broke out approximately one kilometer from the training site and spread rapidly toward the range. An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the blaze. Rutland explained that intensive activity was taking place throughout the training area, and unusually strong winds caused the flames to spread rapidly, driving them toward the administrative zone of the facility.Carney stated that the army and fire brigades battled the flames throughout the night under exceptionally difficult conditions. Those affected were in the assault training zone, and the group included reservists. On the morning of the 18th of October, the Canadian Army reported that an investigation is ongoing; however, there is no indication that the fire was caused by terrorist activity. At a press conference, Rutland stated that the military does not believe the incident is linked to nearby oil or gas infrastructure, nor does it suspect outside interference. Wainwright Base is located approximately 210 kilometers east of Edmonton, the capital of the province of Alberta, and serves as one of the primary sites where the Canadian Army conducts live-fire exercises. It hosts soldiers from both Canada and allied nations. On a daily basis, the base accommodates around 690 soldiers and 300 civilian personnel.
Four soldiers killed and dozens injured in major fire at Canadian military base
