Fifth Canadian soldier dies of burns from training fire at Wainwright base

Another soldier has died after being burned in a grass fire that spread during training last month at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, Canada. The death toll from the incident now stands at five.

The Canadian Armed Forces said in a statement that Private William Douglas Dal Bianco had been receiving medical care in Ontario and died on Friday.

On 17 October, a fire ignited during a live-fire training exercise at CFB Wainwright. Carried by strong winds, it spread rapidly through the training area. Military officials said at the time that the fire spread across about a kilometre in a matter of seconds, taking many of those on the base by surprise.

Four people were killed initially in the incident and 38 military personnel were injured in total. The Canadian Armed Forces said that as of Saturday, 24 military personnel were still in hospital receiving treatment, while 14 had been released.

Members of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group had been conducting the live-fire training at the base that day. Firefighters battled the blaze through the night, while nearby hospitals became inundated with injured personnel.

An investigation found that the fire was likely sparked by a grenade launcher being fired on the base's grenade range, officials said. Firefighters on the base had known about the fire but could not tackle it because it was in a danger area that could contain unspent explosives.

Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on X: 'Canadians are holding Private Dal Bianco's loved ones, and all those still grieving in the wake of this terrible tragedy, in our hearts.' He had earlier described it as 'one of the worst tragedies for the forces on Canadian soil in peacetime.'

Canadian Chief of the Defence Staff Gen Jennie Carignan said the nation's armed forces were 'heartbroken' by the loss of Dal Bianco, while Defence Minister David McGuinty offered his 'deepest condolences' to his family, friends and colleagues.

McGuinty said: 'No words can ease the pain of losing a loved one, and my thoughts remain with all those affected by this tragedy.' He added that they remain committed to supporting the families and the Canadian Armed Forces community during this profoundly difficult time, and to honouring Private Dal Bianco's service, dedication and sacrifice to Canada.

Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta is one of the country's busiest military training bases.