Four Canadian soldiers were killed and 39 others injured, including 19 critically, after a rapidly spreading grass fire swept through a military training exercise at a base in Alberta.
Military officials said the incident occurred on Saturday during live-fire combat training involving members of Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
Speaking at a news conference in Edmonton, Major General Wade Rutland said authorities had monitored the fire for hours and believed it was under control before changing weather conditions dramatically altered its course.
“The fire was a kilometre away when the wind shifted. That is not normal for a fire to move a kilometre in 36 seconds,” Rutland said.
According to him, soldiers had less than a minute to react after flames rapidly advanced toward their position.
About 84 personnel were participating in exercises across two training locations when the fire swept into one of the areas where soldiers were rehearsing attacks on simulated enemy positions.
Military investigators have yet to determine the cause of the blaze.
The Canadian Armed Forces identified the deceased soldiers as Sgt. Morgan Wong of Edmonton, Pvt. Shaun Farrell of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Pvt. Aidan Goulding of North Vancouver, British Columbia, and Pvt. Hayden Lykkemark of Langley, British Columbia.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said all 39 injured individuals were receiving medical treatment.
Acute Care Alberta Chief Executive Officer Sayeh Zielke disclosed that 19 patients remained in critical condition, eight were stable, while 12 were being treated for less severe injuries.
