Canadian soldier William Douglas Dal Bianco has died from injuries sustained in a fire during live-fire training at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta. His death on November 13 brings the number of military personnel killed in the October 17 incident to five, the Canadian Armed Forces said.
Four people died when the grass fire swept through the base’s training area. Dal Bianco, who was receiving medical care in Ontario, was a member of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
A total of 38 military personnel were injured. In its November 14 statement, the Armed Forces said 24 remained in hospital and 14 had been released.
Fire spread during live-fire training
Members of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group were conducting live-fire training when the fire broke out. Strong winds helped it spread through the training area and toward the unit’s administrative area, according to the Armed Forces.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canadians were holding Dal Bianco’s loved ones and those grieving the deaths in their thoughts. Defence Minister David McGuinty also offered condolences to the soldier’s family, friends and colleagues, and said the government would support those affected.