CFB Wainwright fire started during multiple training exercises

At approximately 4 p.m. yesterday, the Army responded to a serious fire incident that occurred during a training exercise conducted by the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, which I'll refer to as 3 PPCLI, at CFB Wainwright. During the conduct of a training, a grass fire ignited in the training area. The cause of this fire is under active investigation. What I would say is there were multiple training activities happening throughout the training area at the time. Uncommonly strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly and shift direction towards the range administrative area. The fire did originate within the training area and did cross established fire guards before being contained in conjunction with municipal authorities. You may have heard reports of explosions. Certainly we do not believe this to be as a result of any oil and gas infrastructure nor any outside interference. Fortunately I can confirm four Canadian Armed Forces members are deceased and many other injured. Casualties have been evacuated to a multitude of medical facilities to receive the best care our system has to offer. Our fallen are Private Aiden Goulding from 3rd Battalion PPCLI from North Vancouver, British Columbia. Private Sean Farrell from 3rd Battalion PPCLI from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Private Hayden Leichmark from 3rd Battalion, PPCLI, from Langley, British Columbia, and Sergeant Morgan Wong from the Loyal Edmonton Regiment from Edmonton, Alberta.