At least 19 people were critically injured after strong winds rapidly spread a grass fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta, overwhelming local medical facilities and prompting a major emergency response.

Four Canadian soldiers have been killed and dozens injured after a fast-moving fire swept through a military training area during live munitions exercises at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta. 

The incident occurred with officials confirming the deaths and providing details of the casualties. 

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said 39 people were receiving hospital treatment, including at least 19 in critical condition.

The Canadian military identified the deceased as Sergeant Morgan Wong of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and Privates Shaun Farrell, Aidan Goulding and Hayden Lykkemark of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney described the incident as one of the worst peacetime tragedies to affect Canada’s armed forces on home soil, while Major General Wade Rutland said an investigation would establish whether the disaster could have been prevented.

According to Rutland, a grass fire had been burning about one kilometre from the soldiers for several hours. Military range controllers allowed training to continue because the blaze was considered contained and was not expected to threaten the troops. 

However, unusually strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly towards the training area. 

The soldiers had been conducting high-intensity combat exercises involving live ammunition, hand grenades and simulated attacks.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Rutland said investigators were examining whether munitions used during the exercises contributed to the blaze, noting that several types of ammunition were being used. 

Officials said there was no indication of outside interference or terrorism. The military has not yet established the precise cause of the fire.

The scale of the emergency overwhelmed medical facilities in the Wainwright area, prompting hospitals to activate an emergency response for a large influx of casualties.

 Emergency Health Services Alberta deployed 30 units, including 22 ground ambulances, six fixed-wing aircraft and two helicopters, while patients were diverted to hospitals in Edmonton. 

A resident at Wainwright Health Centre described hearing injured people screaming as military vehicles brought them to the facility, calling the scene unforgettable.

CFB Wainwright, about 210 kilometres southeast of Edmonton, is a major Canadian army training centre. 

The affected battalion had been preparing for rapid-response duties and a planned deployment to Latvia in the spring as part of NATO’s mission in Eastern Europe.

 The tragedy has shaken the surrounding community, where military personnel and their families are closely connected to civilian life.

 Local Mayor Bruce Pugh expressed concern for both the soldiers and hospital staff, as tributes and messages of support poured in from political leaders.