A Prince Albert man is among those who died following a fire and explosion at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta. Private Shaun Farrell of Prince Albert was among the four service members who died according to Major-General Wade Rutland, commander of the 1st Canadian Division. He confirmed it during a briefing Sunday afternoon. The family of Shaun Farrell announced his death in a Facebook post after earlier saying he was at CFB Wainwright taking part in training. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our son, Shaun Farrell, has passed away to be with our Heavenly Father,” Shaun Farrell’s mother, Patricia Farrell wrote. Before announcing his death, Farrell had asked people to pray for her son while he was at the military base. “Please pray for my son Shaun Farrell that is in CFB Wainwright taking part in the training there today,” she wrote. Farrell thanked people for their love, support and prayers while the family deals with the loss. “As our family navigates this profound loss, we kindly ask for privacy so that we may grieve together.” Four service members died in Saturday’s fire and explosion at CFB Wainwright, according to Prime Minister Mark Carney. “Yesterday afternoon, a violent, fast-moving fire swept through a Canadian Armed Forces base in Wainwright, Alberta,” he told reporters on Sunday. “What followed was one of the worst tragedies for the forces in Canadian soil in peace time.” The Canadian Armed Forces said the fire broke out in a training area at approximately 4 p.m. local time Saturday before spreading rapidly beyond its boundaries. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said 39 people were hospitalized following Saturday’s fire, with at least 19 listed in critical condition. Saskatchewan has deployed resources to Alberta and is prepared to provide more assistance if required, Premier Scott Moe said in a social media post Saturday evening. “Saskatchewan has deployed resources to Alberta and is ready to provide more if required to assist in responding to the serious incident at CFB Wainwright,” Moe wrote. “Our hearts are with all those affected at CFB Wainwright and in the surrounding communities, as well as the first responders and those on the front lines of this tragic incident.” In a new statement Sunday afternoon, Moe mourned Farrell’s death and described him as “a young man full of promise who chose to serve his country.” “His loss will be felt deeply by his family, friends, fellow service members, and all who knew him,” Moe wrote. Moe said Saskatchewan sent air ambulance support Saturday night and remains ready to provide additional resources if needed. He also said flags at provincial buildings will be lowered to half-mast in honour of Farrell and the other service members who died. “To Shaun’s family, to the families of the other fallen service members, and to everyone carrying the weight of this loss today, please know that Saskatchewan stands with you, and that you are in our prayers in the difficult days ahead,” Moe wrote.
