Fifth Canadian soldier dies from injuries caused by large fire at military base

A fifth Canadian soldier has died from injuries he suffered when a grass fire swept through a military training area last month.

Four people were killed initially and dozens were injured when the fire, which ignited during a live fire training exercise, spread rapidly through Canadian Forces Base Wainwright carried by strong winds on 17 October.

Pte William Douglas Dal Bianco, who had been receiving medical care in Ontario, died on Friday, the Canadian Armed Forces said in a statement.

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."

The Canadian Armed Forces said that 24 military personnel were still in hospital receiving treatment, while 14 had been released as of Saturday. Thirty-eight military personnel had been injured in total.

Members of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group had been conducting live-fire training at the base, in the province of Alberta, when the fire broke out.

Military officials said at the time that the fire spread across a kilometre in a matter of seconds, taking many of those on the base by surprise.

Firefighters battled the blaze through the night, while nearby hospitals became inundated by injured personnel and staff.

Carney described it as "one of the worst tragedies for the forces on Canadian soil in peacetime".

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.

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.

"No words can ease the pain of losing a loved one, and my thoughts remain with all those affected by this tragedy," he said.

"We 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."

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