Fire at Canadian military base in Alberta kills four soldiers
A grass fire during a live-ammunition exercise at CFB Wainwright killed four service members and injured dozens, with 19 reported in critical condition.
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What happened
A fire broke out Saturday at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in east-central Alberta during scheduled live-ammunition training. An internal military memo says a sudden wind change turned it into a runaway grass fire, killing four service members and injuring 39, including 19 in critical condition. Prime Minister Mark Carney said crews fought the flames through the night in very difficult conditions.
Why it matters
The deaths have shaken the nation, according to former defence minister Peter MacKay, who stressed the importance of the military base. Canada's prime minister said the country is in mourning.
Timeline
- Oct 18, 1:10 PM ET: Prime Minister Carney said Canada is in mourning following the deadly explosion and fire at CFB Wainwright.
- Oct 18, 8:05 PM ET: An internal Canadian Armed Forces memo said the fire risk was low before a sudden wind change sparked the runaway grass fire.
- Oct 18, 9:22 PM ET: Tributes poured in from across the country after the four soldiers were identified on Sunday.
Coverage
- CFB Wainwright training ‘as real as it can be,’ says retired major-general (Global News)
- Canadians step up to give blood after fatal fire at Alberta military base (Global News)
- CFB Wainwright: Poilievre offers condolences, praises ‘immense courage’ (Global News)
- Wainwright community grapples with aftermath of military base disaster (Global News)
- Canadians mourn after fire kills 4 service members at Wainwright military base (CBC)
- ‘We will remember’: Tributes pour in for soldiers killed in fiery incident at Alberta military base (CBC)
- Canadian and world leaders react to CFB Wainwright incident (Global News)
- Albertans rally to support Wainwright families (Global News)
- CFB Wainwright disaster triggers mass casualty protocols at Alberta hospitals (Global News)
- Fire risk was low before sudden wind shift sparked deadly base fire: CAF memo (Global News)
- FULL SPEECH | Poilievre asks Canadians to 'pray for Wainwright' (CBC)
- Manitoba grieves with CFB Wainwright after deadly fire (Global News)
- 4 service members confirmed dead after fire at CFB Wainwright (Global News)
- Four killed, dozens injured in major fire at Canada military base (BBC)
- 4 killed in CFB Wainwright fire identified as dozens remain in hospital (Global News)
- CFB Wainwright fire started during multiple training exercises (CBC)
- Prince Albert man among those who died in CFB Wainwright fire (CTV News)
- ‘A terrible tragedy’: Kinew offers condolences following tragedy at CFB Wainwright (CTV News)
- CFB Wainwright tragedy reminder of Canadian military’s importance: former minister (CBC)
- Canadian military base fire: Death toll confirmed and cause under investigation (BBC)
- CFB Wainwright fire: What we know and don’t know so far (Global News)
- 'They will not carry it alone': Carney speaks on Wainwright tragedy (CBC)
- Canada is in ‘mourning’ following deadly explosion, fire at CFB Wainwright: Carney (Global News)
- Sask. offers support following CFB Wainwright explosion and fire (CTV News)
- Several dead in major fire at Canada military base (BBC)
- Maritime premiers offer condolences following tragedy at Canadian Forces Base in Alberta (CTV News)
- Canadians react to CFB Wainwright explosion and fire (Global News)
- ‘It’s hard’: Wainwright mayor reacts after deadly fire, explosion at Canadian military base (Global News)
- Wainwright mayor reacts to 'largest mass casualty event we've seen' (CBC)
- The scene outside Wainwright hospital following fire at military base (CBC)
- Deaths, injuries after fire at Alberta military base: Canada minister (Al Jazeera)
- What we know so far about the deadly incident at CFB Wainwright (CBC)
- Minister McGuinty addresses CFB Wainwright Incident (Global News)
- Carney says 'serious incident' led to major fire at Alberta military base (CBC)
- “Significant and tragic fire,” spreads following CFB Wainwright incident, Smith says (Global News)
- Strong winds spread 'large fire' near Wainwright, Alta., military base, municipality says (CBC)
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