Fifth Canadian soldier dies after Wainwright training fire

A fifth Canadian soldier has died from injuries sustained in a fire during a live-fire training exercise at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, the Canadian Armed Forces says. Private William Douglas Dal Bianco died on 13 November, nearly four weeks after the fire broke out on 17 October.

The fire spread rapidly through the training area in strong winds, reaching the unit’s administrative area. The military says 38 members were injured in addition to the five who died.

As of 14 November, 24 service members remained in hospital and 14 had been discharged, according to the armed forces. The figures are reported separately from the total number injured.

Dal Bianco, of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, had been receiving medical care in Ontario. The Associated Press reported that military police are investigating the fire and that a separate military board of inquiry will examine the circumstances and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.

The death toll rose from four after the fire. Earlier coverage of the deaths and injuries at Wainwright reported that the fire began during live-fire training and that its cause was under investigation.