Four Canadian military service members were killed and dozens more injured in a large fire that broke out Saturday at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta during a training exercise, officials confirmed Sunday. The blaze, which quickly spread due to strong winds, also led to significant strain on local healthcare facilities and disrupted advance voting for an upcoming provincial referendum.

Prime Minister Mark Carney described the incident as one of the worst peacetime tragedies experienced by Canada’s military on domestic soil. In a televised statement, he confirmed the deaths of four service members and said the number of injured personnel was substantial, with many suffering serious burns. The affected servicemembers included reservists and soldiers from Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, one of Canada’s most historic regiments. These troops had traveled from bases across the country to participate in training at Wainwright.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced that 39 people were hospitalized, with at least 19 in critical condition. Patients were transferred to hospitals in Wainwright, Edmonton, Red Deer, and Calgary, and some injuries were severe enough to require extended intensive care. A doctor at Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton described the situation as overwhelming, stating that local health services were unprepared for the volume and severity of patients admitted.

The fire reportedly began in a training area around 4 p.m. and was fueled by a windstorm affecting large parts of Alberta, with gusts reaching up to 62 miles per hour. The fast-moving flames spread beyond the base into surrounding rural areas, although no evacuation orders were issued for nearby residents. Firefighters worked into the night to contain the blaze, and by 11 p.m. local authorities indicated the fire was being held, with continued monitoring planned.

Defense Minister David McGuinty confirmed that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police had launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Officials stated there was no evidence to suggest the incident was related to terrorism, though the exact cause remained unknown as of Sunday.

The fire’s timing also impacted the advance polling station in Wainwright, which had to close early on Saturday amid the emergency. Ballots and related materials were secured and relocated to prevent disruption of the upcoming Alberta referendum on whether to initiate a process leading toward provincial independence.

Local and military authorities continue managing the situation as families of the deceased and injured are being supported. Cathy Keane, a mayoral candidate in Ontario, revealed that her eldest son was critically injured in the incident and said she was traveling to Alberta to be with her family. The investigation remains ongoing as officials assess the full scope of the event and its aftermath.