Canadian Military Base Fire: Officials Say Blaze Spread Rapidly After Wind Changed

Four Canadian Armed Forces personnel have died and 39 others have been injured after a rapidly spreading fire engulfed soldiers during a live-fire military exercise at a base in Alberta. Officials said 19 of the injured personnel were in critical condition.
 

Major General Wade Rutland said on Sunday that military authorities had been aware of the fire for several hours but believed it was under control and that training could continue.
 

However, the situation changed suddenly when the wind shifted, causing the flames to spread towards the soldiers.
 

Speaking at a news conference in Edmonton, Rutland said the fire had been about one kilometre away when the wind changed direction. He described the speed at which it advanced as extraordinary, saying it covered the distance in just 36 seconds.
 

According to Rutland, a commander at the scene reported that the soldiers were surrounded by flames in less than a minute.
 

The incident occurred during a live-fire training exercise at the Alberta military base. The sudden spread of the blaze left personnel with little time to respond.
 

The Canadian military has confirmed four fatalities and 39 injuries. Nineteen of those injured remain in critical condition, according to officials.