Flags flew at half-mast across Saskatchewan on Monday as the province honoured four soldiers killed and 39 others injured in a fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday. Bill Flahr, president of Royal Canadian Legion Nutana Branch No. 362, said the Legion has shared messages of condolence and support for the affected families on social media. “We’re going to remember the sacrifice that they made during this incident, and we’re going to remember the families involved in this,” Flahr said. He said the Legion contacted the Military Family Resource Centre to ask what support it could provide. It is also looking into whether its poppy trust fund could offer financial assistance. Provincial and municipal leaders have also expressed condolences and support for those affected. “On behalf of the people of Saskatchewan, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and wish strength and healing to those who were injured,” Premier Scott Moe wrote on social media. Among them was NDP Leader Carla Beck who shared condolences on social media, saying in part: “So many lives have been changed forever. Thank you all for your tremendous courage and sacrifice.” Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block also shared a message on social media, saying: “Our hearts are with the Canadian Armed Forces community and everyone affected by the devastating fire at CFB Wainwright.” Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski was another leader who offered words of support on social media, stating: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, military crews and first responders during this horrific tragedy.” The Saskatchewan Health Authority said Saskatchewan-based resources, including ground and air ambulance teams, were sent to assist with the response. “Following the incident, the SHA worked closely with our partners in Alberta and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health to prepare for the possibility that patients may need to be transferred to Saskatchewan,” read a statement from Derek Miller, chief operating officer of the Saskatchewan Health Authority. “Teams across the province assessed capacity and were prepared to receive patients if required. Ultimately, no patients were transferred to Saskatchewan.” STARS Air Ambulance confirmed to CTV News on Sunday that crews and aircraft from its Edmonton, Saskatoon and Calgary bases were involved in the response. The incident also highlights the importance of maintaining a steady blood supply as patients recover from their injuries. Canadian Blood Services said recent donations helped meet the immediate need, but continued donations will be crucial going forward. “The responsibility now is to ensure that people come in and donate, so that we have that continuous flow in the coming weeks and months, because what we know is that those patients in Alberta, across the country, in your community, are going to need that ongoing care in the weeks and months to come,” said Ryan Adams of Canadian Blood Services. For Flahr, the fire is also a reminder of the risks military members face, regardless of where they serve. “Personally, what it did for me is it highlighted the fact that serving in the military is dangerous, no matter where you serve or what time you’re serving,” he said. With Remembrance Day just weeks away, Flahr said the four soldiers who died will not be forgotten. With files from Hayatullah Amanat and Daniel Reech
