BURST
Four members of the Canadian Armed Forces were killed in a grass fire at an army base in Wainwright, Alberta over the weekend.
They were identified as Sgt. Morgan Wong, Pte. Shaun Farrell, Pte. Aidan Goulding, and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark. They died during a “fire-related training incident” at 4 p.m. MT (6 p.m. ET) on Oct. 17, according to CAF . Nearly 40 others were injured.
Here’s what we know about them.
Who were the victims killed in the Wainwright fire?
All four were based in Edmonton and serving in the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) at the time.
Kane Lewis, a friend of Lykkemark, started a GoFundMe for him with permission from the Lykkemark family. It exceeded $15,000 on Monday.
“We went to high school together and played rugby. We both joined the army at the same time and were fortunate enough to be in the same platoon for basic training. That’s where he became more than just a friend; he became a brother,” Lewis wrote in the description of the fundraiser.
“He was always looking out for everyone and always kept himself in check. The staff and all the other soldiers liked him. After basic training, Hayden went on to infantry school, and that’s where we parted ways. However, we still kept in touch.”
The funds will be used to “ease some of the stress caused by this tragedy.”
Lewis’ father shared a Facebook post about Lykkemark and his son, saying they were best friends. The post showed a photo of both of them wearing military gear.
“They walked into the military recruiting office together, went through basic training together in Quebec, and began their journeys in the Canadian Armed Forces side by side,” he wrote.
“Watching my son go through the pain of losing his best friend has been incredibly difficult. These young men had so much ahead of them.”
Wong, 26, originally from the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, was described as an “incredible person” in a statement from his family, CityNews reported .
“He loved being active and spending time with his friends and family. He was extremely proud to serve with the Canadian Armed Forces,” the statement said. According to his family, he attended the University of Alberta and received a bachelor of commerce degree. He also had a real estate certificate and a civil-military leadership certificate.
The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Association said on Facebook it was “deeply saddened” by his loss.
“Our thoughts and prayers are also with the injured, their loved ones, and everyone affected by this tragedy.
We will remember them,” the post said.
Farrell was remembered by his mother in a Facebook post on Sunday. She shared a photo of him in uniform.
“We want to thank everyone for your love, support, and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. As our family navigates this profound loss, we kindly ask for privacy so that we may grieve together,” she wrote. “Love you my darling child.”
B.C. Premier David Eby addressed the incident in a post on X , extending condolences to the families of the victims. He named Goulding and Lykkemark specifically, as they were both from North Vancouver.
Goulding, 23, was remembered in a post by a family member on Facebook who said he had “just graduated in August.”
She said he “had your whole life ahead of you — way too young.”
How did a fire training exercises lead to four deaths?
Speaking on Sunday, Maj. Gen L.W. Rutland explained that soldiers in the 3 PPCLI were doing “high intensity combat training with live munitions.”
The purpose of the exercises was to prepare them to be part of a global response task force that could be ready to “move within hours” to anywhere in the world. Soldiers were also getting ready to serve in Latvia in April and May to “bolster” a brigade that was already there.
When the incident occurred, some soldiers were throwing hand grenades on a hand grenade range. At the same time, a group of ten soldiers were conducting a “section attack,” which is when they attack a “simulated enemy.”
A “grass fire ignited in the training area,” said Rutland.
“Uncommonly strong winds cause the fire to spread rapidly and shift direction towards the range administrative area,” he said.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
The entire battalion is made up of roughly 350 soldiers. The battalion breaks down into different companies, and it was the Charlie Company — made up of 84 soldiers — that was affected by the fire.
Mayoral candidate’s son one of 39 injured
Cathy Keane, who is running for mayor in Oro-Medonte, Ont., wrote on Facebook that her son was “among the military personnel critically injured.”
“I will be travelling to Alberta and unable to continue door-knocking for the remainder of the mayoral campaign,” she wrote. “Right now, I ask for your understanding as our family navigates an incredibly difficult and uncertain time. We are grateful for the kindness and support of our friends and community.”
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