Four members of the Canadian Armed Forces were killed and 39 others were injured when a fire spread rapidly during a live-fire training exercise at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, Alberta, on October 17, according to the Canadian Armed Forces. The fire ignited at approximately 4 p.m. MDT while troops were taking part in Exercise APOLLO SHOOTER.
High winds caused the fire to grow and spread quickly, overtaking the unit's administrative area, the military said. The fire also spread beyond the boundaries of the training area. The releases did not specify what caused the fire or provide details about the severity of the injuries.
Among those killed was Private Aidan Goulding, of North Vancouver, British Columbia, who served with the Edmonton-based 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. The other soldiers who died were Sergeant Morgan Wong, a member of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment serving with the battalion, and Privates Shaun Farrell and Hayden Lykkemark, both members of the battalion.
General Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the soldiers and thanked first responders and medical teams. « My thoughts are also with our injured members and their loved ones as they receive care and support », Carignan said.
Military and civilian emergency services responded to control the fire and assist those affected. The Canadian Armed Forces said it was working with emergency services, local authorities and other partners on the response. Major-General Wade Rutland, commander of the 1st Canadian Division, said the military was supporting those affected while working to understand the circumstances of the incident.
Goulding's funeral was held in Vancouver on a Sunday, at an armoury attended by hundreds of military personnel, family and friends. His mother, Sonia Monk, described her son as a man with a great sense of humour who had joined the army from a high-paying job. « It gave him a sense of purpose, a family and a place he truly felt at home », she said.