On the morning of 17/10, the Wainwright military base commander in western Alberta, Canada, organized live-fire combat training for soldiers. Around 84 soldiers were divided into two groups: one in a grenade throwing area, the other practicing attacks on simulated enemy positions.

During the exercise, soldiers noticed a nearby grass fire but believed it was contained. However, the wind direction suddenly shifted, and the fire swept into the second training area.

Major General Wade Rutland, Wainwright base commander, stated that an officer at the scene recounted how the fire enveloped the soldiers in under a minute.

The fire was about 1 km from the soldiers when the wind began to shift. "A fire spreading 1 km in 36 seconds is very unusual," Rutland stated at a press conference in Edmonton, the provincial capital, on 18/10. "I have never witnessed anything like it."

He noted that for most of 17/10, wind speeds remained within safe limits for training, generally below 50 km/h, before abruptly intensifying. Range control staff typically rely on weather reports to determine if exercises can proceed.

Medics evacuate injured individuals following the incident at Wainwright base, Canada, on 17/10. Photo: AP

The fire was so unforeseen that Canadian officials initially described it as a "serious incident" at Wainwright base. By 18/10, officials confirmed the blaze had killed 4 soldiers and injured 39, with 19 in critical condition.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stated that some soldiers sustained severe burns and may require intensive treatment for weeks, or even months.

Prime Minister Mark Carney described the incident as one of the most severe peacetime tragedies for the Canadian military on Canadian soil. He ordered flags to be flown at half-mast at federal buildings nationwide.

According to Rutland, investigators will determine the cause of the grass fire and clarify whether strong winds propelled the blaze towards the soldiers or if it crept through vegetation. Images from the scene indicated the fire had breached fire breaks before local firefighters brought it under control.

The Canadian military announced there were no indications the fire was terrorism-related. Investigators will examine the full sequence of events, including the potential need to adjust current safety procedures.

"If our procedures need to change, they will be updated," Rutland said.

Location of Wainwright base. Graphic: BBC

Wainwright is one of Canada's largest and busiest military facilities. It houses the Combat Manoeuvre Training Centre, which trains units in realistic conditions, and serves as the basic training center for the country's infantry.

Nhu Tam (AP, CBC)