Four killed, dozens seriously injured in 'violent, fast-moving fire' at CFB Wainwright: Carney - National Post
Brandon Simmons, whose lived at the Wainwright Health Centre for 18 months, watched as soldiers were brough into the emergency ward on Saturday evening after a fire at nearby CFB Wainwright. Photo by Brandon Simmons/XArticle contentPrime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that four members of the Canadian Armed Forces were killed and dozens more were seriously injured during a “violent, fast-moving fire” at CFB Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday.
In a press conference Sunday afternoon, Carney called it “one of the worst tragedies for the Forces on Canadian soil in peacetime.”
Around 4 p.m., a fire inside a training area quickly spread beyond its boundaries, requiring “military and civilian emergency services” to attack the fire and assist the affected, according to the latest update from National Defence on Sunday.
While officials have yet to confirm the “full extent of the impact,” General Jennie Carignan, Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff, indicated that they have started identifying the deceased and notifying their next of kin.
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“While casualty identification and notification processes are ongoing, I extend my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives,” she said in Sunday’s update.
“This is a profoundly difficult moment for the entire Canadian Armed Forces.”
Global News earlier reported at least seven were killed, according to multiple Canadian Armed Forces sources.
The individuals told the outlet the explosion resulted from a gas line or gas well on the base being hit during a live-fire training exercise and that high winds fueled the resulting fire. Environment Canada, which had warned of high winds earlier in the day, later recorded gusts of 98 km/h at Edmonton International Airport Saturday afternoon.
“Military and civilian crews fought this fire through the night, in some of the worst conditions imaginable, risking their lives to protect their fellow Canadians,” Carney said.
Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks in Ottawa Sunday about a fatal fire at CFB Wainwright the day prior. Photo by HYUNGCHEOL PARK /PostmediaArticle contentAs of early Sunday morning, the “wildfire south” of the town of Wainwright, located just northeast of the base, was being held and a fire watch remains in place, the municipal district said on social media.
