Grass fire not seen as threat before it became catastrophe, military says

Blaze at Canadian Forces base kills four soldiers

Maj.-Gen. Wade Rutland (left), shown with Defence Minister David McGuinty, says the violent, sudden windstorm “was a very uncommon occurrence.” JASON FRANSON / THE CANADIAN PRESS

CANADA’S military says a grass fire that killed four soldiers and sent scores more to hospital with bad burns was known well beforehand but not considered a threat.

Maj.-Gen. Wade Rutland, in charge of 1st Canadian Division, says the grass fire was a kilometre away and considered sufficiently under control that training exercises were allowed to continue Saturday afternoon at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in central Alberta.

However, he said conditions — including a violent, sudden windstorm — sent those flames racing over the Prairie landscape at lightning speed, landing right on top of the soldiers.

“This was a very uncommon occurrence,” Rutland told a news conference Sunday.

“I spoke to my commander on the ground. He said within 30 seconds to a minute they saw no fire and then there was a fire right on top of them.”

Rutland said there is a lot to consider. Did the fire move that quickly because of the wind? Or did it move unseen through foliage to surprise the soldiers? Or was it both?

“This is why we’re going to do a complete investigation as to the topography, field conditions, foliage, etc., because it all plays into what happened,” he said.

The fire killed four soldiers and injured 39 more, nineteen of whom are in critical condition.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced the casualty count and confirmed many have serious burns.

“The loss of life and injuries are heartbreaking,” Smith said.

The four deceased have been identified as: Sgt. Morgan Wong of Edmonton; Pte. Shaun Farrell of Prince Albert, Sask.; Pte. Aidan Goulding of North Vancouver; and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark of Langley, B.C.

The wounded are being cared for in four hospitals in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer.

Rutland spoke at a news conference with Smith and Defence Minister David McGuinty.

McGuinty said those affected were soldiers and reservists from across the country.

“This loss reaches communities in every province,” he said.