Fire at Canadian military base kills 4 soldiers, injures dozens, spread due to strong winds

A large-scale fire broke out on the 17th at the Canadian Forces' Wainwright Base in Alberta, western Canada. Prime Minister John Carney announced on the 18th that four soldiers were killed and dozens more were injured. "This is one of the worst tragedies that the Canadian Armed Forces has ever experienced at home during peacetime."

Over 20,000 people evacuated as Canada declares state of emergency due to wildfires

The fire broke out at around 4:00 pm on the 17th (7:00 am on the 18th, Japan time) in a training area on the base. The fire spread quickly, fanned by strong winds, engulfing soldiers undergoing training. Premier Smith said 39 people were taken to hospital, 19 of whom were in critical condition. Public broadcaster CBC reported that the death toll had reached seven, but authorities have not confirmed this.

The military said there were no signs of terrorism. Local media, citing multiple military sources, said ammunition used in live-fire training may have ignited the grass, causing the fire to spread and lead to the explosion. There are reports that a bullet hit a gas pipe, but the military has not determined the cause of the fire and is investigating with police and others.