What’s the Latest: Fifth Canadian soldier has died after fire in Wainwright, CAF says
A fifth Canadian soldier, Pte. William Douglas Dal Bianco of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, has died from injuries sustained in a training fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, Alberta. Dal Bianco succumbed to his injuries on Friday while receiving medical treatment in Ontario, bringing the total number of deceased soldiers from the incident to five.
The Canadian Armed Forces reported that 24 members are currently in hospital for treatment following the incident, while 14 have been released. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright is ongoing, with a focus on how intense winds helped spread the blaze during a training exercise.
Defence Minister David McGuinty expressed condolences to the family and friends of Pte. William Douglas Dal Bianco, stating, “We remain committed to supporting the families and the Canadian Armed Forces community during this profoundly difficult time.” The Canadian Armed Forces reported that 24 members are still receiving treatment in hospital following the fire incident at CFB Wainwright, which is under investigation.
What remains unclear — The specific circumstances that led to the fire at CFB Wainwright are not detailed.
Fifth Canadian soldier dies following CFB Wainwright fire, CAF confirms
A fifth Canadian soldier has died due to injuries sustained in a fire during a training exercise at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright. Private William Douglas Dal Bianco, a member of the 3rd Battalion of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, passed away on Friday in Ontario, where he was receiving medical treatment following the incident on 17 October.
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) confirmed Dal Bianco’s death in a news release. Defence Minister David McGuinty expressed condolences to Dal Bianco’s family and fellow service members, stating, “No words can ease the pain of losing a loved one… we remain committed to supporting… families during this profoundly difficult time.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney also acknowledged the tragedy, noting on social media, “Private Dal Bianco and his fellow soldiers were training to defend Canada. With their bright futures still before them, they chose to safeguard ours.” He highlighted the importance of serving those who served the nation.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre shared his condolences as well, stating, “[Dal Bianco] put on the uniform to serve Canada, and Canada will not forget him.” He also remembered the 24 soldiers who continue to recover in hospital following the incident.
The tragic event involved a routine training exercise in which approximately 350 personnel were present when intense winds caused a nearby grass fire to rapidly spread towards them. The CAF reported that four other soldiers—Sgt. Morgan Wong, Pte. Shaun Farrell, Pte. Aidan Goulding, and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark—had previously died from injuries related to the fire. Currently, 24 members remain in hospital receiving care, while 14 have been discharged.