EDMONTON, Alta. — A fire that broke out Oct. 17 during military training on an automatic grenade launcher range at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright intensified rapidly after a shift in wind direction and speed, according to the Canadian Forces Military Police.
"It originated as a result of the ongoing training that was taking place on that range," said Brig.-Gen. Vanessa Hanrahan, the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal, during an Oct. 22 media briefing.
“The fire initially remained within the Permanent Danger Area 2 of the range, which restricted the firefighters' ability to conduct direct suppressive operations. It was therefore monitored throughout the day by both Range Control and the Base Fire Hall. A subsequent change in wind direction and velocity significantly increased the fire's intensity and rate of speed across the area, which led, unfortunately, to the tragic events we're talking about today,” said Hanrahan.
There is no indication that natural gas infrastructure was involved in or affected by the fire, according to Hanrahan.
"Investigations of this nature are complex and require careful assessment of information and evidence from multiple sources," said Hanrahan. "While there is significant interest in understanding what occurred, it is important that the investigative process be allowed to follow the evidence wherever it leads. The Office of the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal will continue to keep Canadians informed as appropriate while protecting the investigation and the privacy of those involved."
She noted that military police are conducting their investigation independently of the Canadian Armed Forces chain of command. Their involvement should not be interpreted as an indication that an offence has taken place. The military police investigation is also distinct from the Board of Inquiry.
“Approximately 30 military police personnel, including members of the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service, are conducting investigative activities in Wainwright and other locations across Alberta,” Hanrahan said.
Four soldiers were killed in the tragedy, including Pte. Shaun Farrell, 23, of Prince Albert, Sask. The others were Sgt. Morgan Wong of Edmonton, Pte. Aidan Goulding of North Vancouver, B.C., and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark of Langley, B.C. Farrell was a member of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton.
“Their families are living with a loss no one should have to bear,” said Maj.-Gen. Wade Rutland.
While the investigation into the fatal incident continues, National Defence reported that 27 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members remained in hospital receiving treatment, including 13 in critical condition. Twelve members had been released from hospital, according to information provided by Sayeh Zielke, interim CEO of Acute Care Alberta.
“These patients are receiving the best possible care, including expertise from two of Canada's four highly specialized burn centres located right here in Alberta, in Edmonton and in Calgary,” Zielke said.
Approximately 24 specialized civilian medical personnel with expertise in burn care were transported from Toronto to Edmonton on a CAF CC-130 Hercules aircraft, according to National Defence.
“In addition, Give Life Alberta, our provincial health-care corporation responsible for organ and tissue donation and transplantation, has been hard at work sourcing skin grafts and burn supplies across the country. These supplies are much needed and we are grateful to everyone who has answered Alberta's call for assistance,” Zielke said.
Rutland said injured soldiers were setting up for a pairs range at the time the fire occurred. He also noted that the investigation would not necessarily be completed in a month, as suggested earlier, but would take “as long as it takes to examine all facets of the situation.”
“There are difficult questions about what happened,” said Gen. Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff, during a media briefing. “I am acutely aware of our responsibility to establish the facts, share the findings and act on what we learn. And we take this responsibility very seriously. I remain firmly committed to making this happen with transparency.”
“Concurrent and ongoing investigations will examine every aspect of what happened. Where they find our procedures, our training, our equipment, or our policies must change, they will change,” Rutland said.
"As the Board of Inquiry does its work along with the military police investigation, should there be findings or interim findings that would indicate that we need to take specific measures, then, of course, we would implement immediately," Carignan noted.
Rutland also noted that many Canadians have reached out to support those affected by the accident.
“We have two official Canadian Armed Forces charities, Support our Troops and Soldier On. These are two immediate ways to support our soldiers and families,” Rutland said.
“Many Canadians have asked how to honour the four soldiers we lost and those who are injured and have a long road ahead,” he added.
“Right now our focus is on families, some who will lay their loved ones to rest in the way each family chooses, and some who stand at hospital beds with designated assistants close by. There has been discussion about a public memorial service. Out of respect for grieving families, we ask for your patience on this. More details will become available when the time is right.”
Zielke also noted that while the health-care system experienced extra pressure due to the tragedy, it responded accordingly and continues to operate to serve the other health-care needs of Albertans.
“I would also like to reassure Albertans that our hospitals across the province have capacity and stand ready to care for anyone who needs it.
“The province's health-care system was able to absorb this extraordinary additional demand by coordinating capacity across facilities across the province and ensuring the right resources were in place where they were needed most, and we continue with these efforts. I ask the public to please continue to seek care that is needed for your symptoms. If you are unsure about which care option is right for you, please call 811 to speak to a registered nurse about your situation,” Zielke said.
