Wainwright Fire Safety Rules Call for Morning Live-Fire Drills

Canadian military investigators are examining whether fire-safety procedures and weather warnings were adequately addressed before a wildfire swept through a training exercise at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday, killing four soldiers and injuring dozens. The investigation follows revelations that the base's safety rules recommend scheduling live-fire exercises before 10 a.m. during the high-risk fire months of August through October.

CBC News obtained the base's Range Standing Orders, a document outlining procedures for managing fires during military training. The Canadian Armed Forces provided the same document to the Toronto Star, which reported that the guidance recommends morning shooting exercises when fire hazards are generally lower.

The fatal blaze reportedly intensified around 4 p.m. local time after strong wind gusts changed direction and drove flames into a military training area. Maj.-Gen. Wade Rutland, commander of the 1st Canadian Division, said the fire had been burning for several hours before the sudden change in conditions spread it rapidly.

The precise cause of the fire remains undetermined. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the outbreak, the response to the fire, and the decision to continue training while the blaze was active.

The base's safety orders warn that dry vegetation can ignite easily and that flames can spread rapidly, threatening personnel and equipment. During the August-to-October high-risk period, units are advised to conduct shooting exercises early in the morning, before 10 a.m., when conditions are typically safer for firing most ammunition.

The document also establishes procedures for reporting and responding to fires. Troops must immediately notify range control of grass or brush fires, after which information is relayed to the fire department and range warden.

The highest-ranking member of the unit reporting a fire must maintain communication with range control and provide updates on the blaze's intensity, direction, and speed. That officer is also responsible for ensuring the unit does not leave the scene until range control, in consultation with the range warden, authorizes its departure.

For fires considered out of control, an operations officer can authorize additional resources, including helicopters. The orders also require fire-hazard levels to be displayed at multiple locations across the base and updated as conditions change, with ratings ranging from low to extreme.

Canada's Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen. Jennie Carignan, described fires during military exercises as a recurring occurrence. She said training personnel must be prepared for deployment overseas, acknowledging that such preparation can involve risks.

Retired Canadian Armed Forces Maj.-Gen. Denis Thompson also explained that fires frequently occur on military training grounds, where live ammunition is used. His comments addressed why exercises may continue near active fires rather than automatically stopping whenever flames appear.

Retired Maj.-Gen. Scott Clancy, who previously fought fires as a helicopter pilot while ground training continued, said decisions to proceed with exercises rest with range control and the officers supervising the activity. He noted that the decision to continue at Wainwright would have involved those responsible for overseeing the exercise.

Rutland said soldiers were conducting a high-intensity combat exercise involving live munitions when the fire broke out. Some personnel were throwing hand grenades at a grenade range, while another group was conducting a section attack, a simulated assault involving 10 soldiers.

The military has not confirmed whether the recommended morning schedule was followed. A National Defence spokesperson declined to comment on specific operational details, citing the ongoing investigation.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said 50 investigators were on the ground as the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service led a comprehensive inquiry with support from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The process includes a board of inquiry examining the deadly incident and the circumstances surrounding it.

Separately, Global News reported growing scrutiny of warnings about an approaching windstorm before the fire. The report also highlighted calls for a public inquiry as authorities continue investigating the deaths and injuries at the Alberta military base.