The Town of Petawawa in eastern Ontario is extending its condolences to the people in Wainwright, Alta., after a deadly fire at the local Canadian Forces Base. Petawawa, about 170 kilometres northwest of downtown Ottawa, is home to Garrison Petawawa, with thousands of Canadian Armed Forces personnel. “It is with immense sorrow that we recognize the profound grief and distress this will bring to the affected personnel, their families, friends, and colleagues in the broader military community,” a post on the town’s Facebook page said. “This tragedy is a heartbreaking reminder of the sacrifices and risks faced by those who serve, not just on battlefields and deployments, but every time they put on a uniform. Our thoughts are with everyone affected during this difficult time.” Four soldiers were killed and 39 others were wounded when a fire rapidly spread over an area where troops were conducting a training exercise near CFB Wainwright on Saturday. Maj-Gen. L.W. Rutland told reporters during a briefing on Sunday afternoon that multiple training activities were underway when a “grass fire ignited in the training area” at around 4 p.m. local time. Sgt. Morgan Wong of Edmonton, Pte. Shaun Farrell of Prince Albert, Sask., Pte. Goulding of North Vancouver and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark of Langley, B.C., have been identified as the four soldiers who died. Petawawa extended its “profound respect and appreciation” for first responders and health-care workers who tended to the victims. “We commend their courage, professionalism, dedication, and selfless commitment in responding to the incident, assisting those affected, and working to protect lives,” town officials said. “We acknowledge that this will be a difficult time for many days to come and trust that the spirit of solidarity, compassion, and mutual support from the Town of Petawawa to the entire military community will provide strength and encouragement to all those affected. We stand in solidarity with you during this period of mourning and recovery.” Flags across Petawawa have been lowered to half-mast in honour of the people affected by the tragedy in Alberta, the town said. In Ottawa, the House of Commons held a moment of silence for the victims of the fire at CFB Wainwright. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that flags on federal buildings, including the Peace Tower, would be flown at half-mast. The City of Ottawa said on Monday that it would do the same. “In a few weeks, Canadians will gather at cenotaphs across the country, including the one in Wainwright, to remember those who have sacrificed so we can live freely. This year, we will carry more names with us,” Carney said in the House of Commons. “To their friends and families, to their colleagues, to the people of Wainwright, please know that you have the entire nation at your side.”
