Condolences continue to pour in from across Canada and the world as emergency crews maintain the deadly fire that broke out at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright.
Separate military sources told Global News that at least seven people died in the incident, and dozens more were injured at the CFB Wainwright, located around 200 kilometres from Edmonton.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that four service members perished and their next of kin have been notified, adding that dozens more were seriously injured.
“Those we lost, those who were injured, were training to defend Canada. To serve Canada. And now Canada serves them. We will be there for their families for as long as they need,” Carney said.
Carney went on to say that flags would be flown at half-mast at federal buildings across the country.
The Canadian Armed Forces confirmed Sunday that the fire ignited within a training area at approximately 4 p.m. MT on Saturday.
A preliminary investigation suggests a munition from a live training exercise sparked a fast-moving grass fire, which caused an explosion, multiple military sources said.
“The fire spread rapidly beyond the boundaries of the training area, while military and civilian emergency services responded quickly to control that fire and to support those affected by this tragic event,” the CAF said in a news release.
Chief of the Defence Staff Jennie Carignan said the CAF and Department of National Defence are working with partners across the federal, provincial and municipal governments to “mobilize all necessary support.”
“Our soldiers, civilian personnel, and emergency responders are working closely with local authorities to respond to this situation,” she said in a statement. “On behalf of the Canadian Army, I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy.”
Condolences pour in
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Numerous leaders of all levels of government offered condolences overnight, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, and Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi.
But as the night wore on into the morning, more leaders paid tribute.
“As Commander-in-Chief, and on behalf of all Canadians, I extend my support to the military members, families, and community affected by the fire at CFB Wainwright,” said Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour in a statement Sunday morning. “My thoughts are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives, those who were injured, and all those affected by this tragedy.”
The tributes poured in from municipal mayors, provincial premiers and from officials outside Canada.
“Canada is mourning a terrible tragedy at CFB Wainwright,” said Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas Sunday morning. “Our soldiers put their lives on the line in service to our country, and to lose them here at home is devastating.”
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Massive emergency response to deadly explosion and fire at CFB Wainwright
In Ontario, Premier Doug Ford and NDP Leader Marit Stiles both urged Canadians to come together.
“As Canadians, let’s come together to support our brave men and women in uniform, who put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and our country,” Ford said on social media. “Ontario stands ready to help the recovery efforts however we can.”
“I cannot imagine the weight of this news for families with loved ones in the service. Canadians stand with you,” Stiles said.
Condolences were also offered from outside the country.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic incident and devastating fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta,” said Andril Sybiha, minister of foreign affairs for Ukraine. “My heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.”
Fire remains held south of Wainwright
When the fire broke out, much of Alberta was under wind warnings with up to 100 km/h wind gusts fuelling the flames.
The Municipal District of Wainwright said the fire south of town crossed the base fence earlier in the day and was being actively managed.
A fire watch for the community is in place, with the municipality urging residents to continue to avoid the incident area and keep roads clear.
—with files from Global News’ Karen Bartko, Amy Judd and Ashleigh Stewart
A “grass fire” on military training grounds sparked an explosion that killed 7 people ?
Something isn’t adding up here.We are being lied to again.
Condolences to all those that have passed defending our Canadian freedom!
For those that have to make ignorant comments shame on you and please leave our country. You are a pathetic person that does nothing to our society.
Offering prayers to GOD for all involved in the Wainwright disaster.
What a DEI hire?
In 2019 Wuhan Military athletic games. Canadian personnel were deadly sich on the return, they were Ordered to not run a Covidtest, keep quiet.
We will never be told, no accountability ever in Canada.
Tim
Don’t like the comment just move along
I wont pander to your arrogance
My heart goes out to those involved.
Condolences to the families. our heart goes out to them! Dave please delete you rude comments
Global will be milking this tragedy for the next week