Four Canadian soldiers have been killed and 39 people taken to hospital after a fast-moving grass fire spread through a military training area at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday.
Officials say at least 19 of those taken to hospital are in a critical condition following the fire.
Around 30 emergency units, including 22 ground ambulances and eight aircraft, responded to the incident.
The four soldiers who died have been identified as Sergeant Morgan Wong, Private Shaun Farrell, Private Aidan Goulding and Private Hayden Lykkemark.
All four were serving with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
Commander of 1st Canadian Division, Major-General Wade Rutland, says soldiers were carrying out training activities when the grass fire started at around 10am yesterday.
Rutland says unusually strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly and change direction towards the range administrative area.
He says the fire was kilometres away when the wind changed direction, adding that it is unusual for a fire to travel a kilometre in 30 to 60 seconds.
He says the soldiers were undergoing high-intensity combat training involving live munitions, including hand grenade exercises and simulated attacks.
Rutland says there were reports of explosions, but officials do not believe the incident was caused by oil and gas infrastructure or outside interference.
He says the priority is to provide care and support to the injured soldiers and their families, with the Canadian Armed Forces providing assistance.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has described the fire as violent and fast-moving, calling it one of the worst tragedies for the military during peacetime.
CFB Wainwright is one of Canada’s busiest military training bases.
Source: BBC
