Deadly CFB Wainwright fire started on grenade launcher range firefighters couldn’t enter, officials say

What we learned from military officials about the CFB Wainwright fire

Military confirms origin of deadly CFB Wainwright fire as questions remain about safety decisions

Military officials provided more information Thursday about the deadly fire at CFB Wainwright in which four soldiers were killed and many others injured. Three separate investigations are underway, which, among other things, will look at the threat assessment of the fire.

Military officials, including Canada’s top soldier Gen. Jennie Carignan, provided more information Thursday about the fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday that killed four service members and left dozens others injured. 

At a news conference, the officials said the fire resulted from a training exercise and was initially reported on the base’s grenade launcher range — a “permanent danger area” that base firefighters couldn’t enter. The fire quickly spread in strong winds, overwhelming service members training elsewhere on the base.

Three separate investigations are being conducted into the blaze: by the military police, the chief medical examiner’s office and a board of inquiry. Carignan pledged to share investigation findings with the public.

Maj.-Gen. Rutland, who initially said the board of inquiry investigation would take about a month, said he had underestimated the scope of the work and that it will now “take as long as it takes.” He said every aspect of the incident will be examined, including training policies and why a grass fire wasn’t assessed as a threat at a time of strong winds. 

Rutland said 27 soldiers are still in hospital; 13 of those patients are in critical condition, said Dr. Sayeh Zielke with Acute Care Alberta. Health workers from Ontario who specialize in burn treatment have been flown to Alberta to help local hospitals that have limited capacity to care for burn victims.

Later Thursday, the family of Pte. Shaun Farrell, one of the service members who died due to the fire, spoke publicly about their son and brother during a news conference in Prince Albert, Sask. Farrell’s parents expressed grief for their son but also pride in him, along with gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received since his death.