Smith Reports 27 Soldiers Remain Hospitalized After Wainwright Fire

Twenty-seven Canadian soldiers remain hospitalized following a deadly brush fire during a training exercise at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, Premier Danielle Smith announced Tuesday. Of the 39 soldiers taken to hospitals after the incident, 27 continue to receive medical care, while Canadian Armed Forces investigators examine what happened.

The fire killed four soldiers and injured 39 others. According to the report by the Edmonton Journal, emergency responders transported casualties to hospitals in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer.

Smith addressed the casualties during a televised statement before discussing Monday night's 10-question referendum. She paid tribute to the four soldiers who died during the exercise.

"These men will forever be heroes of Canada," Smith said.

The four soldiers killed were Pte. Aidan Goulding, Pte. Shaun Farrell and Pte.

Hayden Lykkemark, all with 3PPCLI, and Sgt. Morgan Wong of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. The brush fire swept into the area where their company was operating during Saturday's training exercise.

Smith also updated the public on the injured personnel and said she had informed the prime minister about their condition earlier Tuesday.

"I also provided an update to the Prime Minister earlier today about the 27 soldiers who continue to receive care in our hospitals," Smith said.

The premier said Alberta's medical teams were providing treatment to the injured soldiers and pledged government support for them and their families throughout recovery.

"I want to assure those injured soldiers, their friends, families, and Canadians nationwide that these courageous heroes are receiving the highest level of care from Alberta’s very best health care professionals," Smith said.

The incident prompted a large emergency response involving 30 emergency units, including 22 ambulances, six planes and two helicopters. The injured were taken to medical facilities across three Alberta cities.

Smith also pledged continued assistance for the injured personnel and their relatives as they undergo treatment and recover from their injuries.

"And, as a government, we will make absolutely certain they and their families are supported with every means at our disposal for the duration of their treatment and recovery. We will never forget their sacrifice," Smith said.

The premier thanked emergency responders and health-care workers for their efforts during the mass casualty incident.

The soldiers had been preparing for deployment to Latvia when the fire occurred. The Canadian Armed Forces investigation into the circumstances surrounding the training exercise remains ongoing.