Condolences poured in from across Canada and around the world for the soldiers killed in a fire and explosion at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright.
“My wife and I were greatly shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright,” King Charles said in a statement released by Rideau Hall on Sunday night.
The palace said Charles and Camilla expressed their deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, along with those who have been injured or otherwise affected “at this most difficult time.”
“We extend our particular admiration and gratitude to the military and civilian emergency services, health-care workers and all those who have responded with such courage and dedication in the most challenging circumstances.
“Above all, we send our special thoughts and prayers to the people of Alberta, and to the Canadian Armed Forces and their families.”
Four soldiers based out of CFB Edmonton were killed, 19 were left clinging to life in critical condition and about 20 more were being treated at several Alberta hospitals for serious burns and other wounds suffered in Saturday’s disaster at the CFB Wainwright, located around 200 kilometres from Edmonton.
The troops were participating in training exercises when conditions — including a violent, sudden windstorm — sent flames from a fire about a kilometre away racing over the landscape at breakneck speed, landing right on top of the soldiers.
“Alberta is mourning, alongside the Canadian Armed Forces and their families, friends and colleagues of those affected by the tragic incident,” Premier Danielle Smith said during an afternoon news conference in Edmonton.
“The loss of life and injuries are heartbreaking.”
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Flags were lowered to half-mast at provincial buildings in Alberta and federal buildings across the country.
Prime Minister Mark Carney called it one of the “worst tragedies for the (Armed Forces) on Canadian soil in peacetime.”
“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 when speaking about the tragedy Sunday morning in Ottawa.
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre paid homage to the service people at a press conference Sunday in Wainwright, which is in his federal riding of Battle River-Crowfoot.
“There are acts of courage that are almost unimaginable,” he said. “People who ran towards rather than away from the danger and are now paying a cruel price fighting for their lives in hospitals. We offer our thanks to our troops for their service, their sacrifice and their immense courage.”
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.
“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.
Defence Minister David McGuinty said the CAF and Department of National Defence are working with partners across the federal, provincial and municipal governments to “mobilize all necessary support.”
Lt.Gen. Michael Wright, commander, Canadian Army, added that many members are working to respond.
“Our soldiers, civilian personnel, and emergency responders are working closely with local authorities to respond to this situation,” he 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
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.”
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.
Question is “why were they doing these exercises in dry conditions with wind gusts”
This entire event that happened is very strange . There is a cover up
@1056 Tim, don’t EVER tell anyone what to do, EVER
So what sparked the grass fire? Apparently they were aware of a fire for a time. But then the fire was apparently from live fire hitting a gas well or gas facility? Or was it caused by the military vehicles they said where in the grass?
You know, it getting harder and harder to believe Canadian media on any thing these days.
Interesting to know what would happen if Alberta separates : do they have their own currency, what would the value be of a new currency, do they only pay Alberta income taxes, do they no longer have Canada’s Medicare. No one asks or discusses these questions – are the separatists ready to pay for private healthcare. And if they do not love their country why not get out? Thank you.
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