Military names four soldiers killed in CFB Wainwright fire

National Defence has named the four Canadian Armed Forces members killed in a fast-moving fire during live-fire training at CFB Wainwright in east-central Alberta on Saturday.

They are Sgt. Morgan Wong of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, serving with 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI), and Ptes. Shaun Farrell, Aidan Goulding and Hayden Lykkemark of 3 PPCLI. All four were based in Edmonton, National Defence said in a news release issued Sunday in Ottawa.

The department said members of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, from 3 PPCLI, were conducting live-fire training during Exercise APOLLO SHOOTER when the fire started at about 4 p.m. MT on Oct. 17. High winds let the fire grow and spread very rapidly, and it overtook the unit’s administrative area, the release said. A total of 39 Canadian Armed Forces members were injured.

Defence Minister David McGuinty offered condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those killed. “Canada mourns with the entire Canadian Armed Forces community during this profoundly difficult time,” he said in the release.

Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan mourned the four members by name, said she is concerned for the injured and thanked first responders and medical teams, according to the release. Lt.-Gen. Michael Wright, commander of the Canadian Army, said the soldiers were training to carry out the Army’s mission and that the Army will never forget their service.

Maj.-Gen. Wade Rutland, commander of the 1st Canadian Division, called the loss devastating and said the division is supporting affected teammates, friends and units while working to understand the circumstances, National Defence said.

Speaking at a news conference Sunday, Rutland said officials are not sure how the fire started and that it could be weeks before a cause is determined, Castanet reported. He said the investigation will look at topography, field conditions and foliage. The Canadian Armed Forces has said there was no indication of terrorist activity, according to Castanet.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said 39 people were injured, 19 of them critically, and that they are being treated in four hospitals in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer, Castanet reported. Prime Minister Mark Carney ordered flags on federal buildings lowered to half-mast.

Media inquiries can be directed to National Defence Media Relations at 613-904-3333.

Canada News Media has not reported the soldiers’ hometowns or other personal details, which National Defence did not include in its release. Our earlier coverage is in Deaths, injuries after explosion and fire at CFB Wainwright and RCMP involved in probe of CFB Wainwright explosion. Voting in the Alberta referendum, which was affected by the fire, is covered in Over 1 million ballots cast in Alberta referendum.

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Sources: National Defence; Castanet.