King Charles and Queen Camilla ‘shocked and saddened’ over fatal fire at Canadian military base

Of those hospitalised, 19 remain in a critical condition, according to Alberta’s premier Danielle Smith.

The fire tore through a training area at one of Canada’s busiest military bases, prompting what Prime Minister Mark Carney called one of the most devastating peacetime tragedies to strike the Canadian military on home soil.

The King’s message read in full: “My wife and I were greatly shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright.

“Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and with all those who have been injured or otherwise affected at this most difficult time.

“We extend our particular admiration and gratitude to the military and civilian emergency services, healthcare workers and all those who have responded with such courage and dedication in the most challenging circumstances.

“Above all, we send our special thoughts and prayers to the people of Alberta, and to the Canadian Armed Forces and their families. Charles R.”

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting also conveyed his sympathies in a post on X late on Sunday.

He wrote: “My deepest condolences to all those mourning the Canadian Armed Forces personnel who tragically lost their lives at the base in Wainwright – and with those who have suffered injuries during this terrible incident. To our Canadian friends – we stand with you and grieve with you.”

Shadow defence secretary David Reed described himself as “deeply saddened to hear this devastating news”.

In his own message on X, he wrote: “My thoughts and prayers are with the four members of the Canadian Armed Forces who have tragically lost their lives, and with their families, friends and fellow service personnel at this incredibly difficult time.”

Canadian military officials disclosed on Sunday that the tragedy originated from a rapidly advancing grass fire.

Major General Wade Rutland explained that personnel had been aware of the blaze for several hours but judged it to be sufficiently under control for training exercises to proceed.

A sudden change in wind direction then drove the flames towards the soldiers at devastating speed.

According to Maj Gen Rutland, a commander on the ground reported that troops went from seeing no fire at all to being engulfed by flames in under sixty seconds.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers were summoned to the base shortly after 4pm local time on Saturday.

The injured were transported to hospitals across Alberta, including facilities in Edmonton and Calgary.

Those caught up in the disaster included reservists and members of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, one of Canada’s most celebrated regiments.