Canadian Military Base Fire Reportedly Linked to Live-Fire Exercise

Ottawa (ANTARA) – A fire at a military base that killed four people and left 19 others in critical condition in Wainwright, Alberta, Canada, was caused by a live-fire exercise, an official said on Sunday (18 October).

Major General Wade Rutland told reporters that soldiers were conducting a live-fire exercise on Saturday afternoon local time, including hand-grenade training at a firing range, as part of a tactical exercise known as a “section attack”.

Strong winds caused the grass fire to spread rapidly, with flames travelling one kilometre in about 30 to 60 seconds, Rutland said.

Thirty-nine injured personnel are receiving hospital treatment, at least 19 of them in critical condition.

Rutland said a specialist military team had inspected local energy infrastructure, with initial findings indicating no damage, although further inspections will be carried out.

The military official added that the troops involved had been preparing for possible rapid deployment to conflict hotspots around the world at short notice, as well as undergoing pre-deployment training for a rotating troop deployment to Latvia.