33 Canadian armed forces members remain hospitalized after deadly Wainwright fire

Defence Minister David McGuinty says 33 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members remain in hospital following a deadly fire that swept through a training area at CFB Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday.

McGuinty visited the military base and injured personnel at a local hospital on Monday. He declined to discuss their medical conditions, citing privacy concerns, and described the situation as delicate and evolving. He said the government would provide the necessary support to injured members and their families.

The Canadian Armed Forces reported Sunday that four people had died and 39 were injured, including 19 who were critically hurt. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday that 50 investigators were examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Major-General Wade Rutland, commander of 1st Canadian Division, said 84 members of the 3rd Battalion were participating in two training exercises when the fire approached. Most were throwing hand grenades at a range, while 10 soldiers were simulating an attack on an enemy.

Military officials said the grass fire had been identified earlier but was initially considered no threat because it was about one kilometre away. Rutland explained that a sudden shift in wind caused the fire to spread rapidly, covering that distance in an estimated 30 to 60 seconds.

CFB Wainwright is located about 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton and is a major Canadian military training facility used to prepare soldiers and units for combat operations.