Four soldiers die in CFB Wainwright fire as oil-gas wells remained open

A fire on the CFB Wainwright training range on Saturday resulted in four soldiers dead and many others, some critically, hospitalized. The incident occurred while Sumerian Oil and Gas, holder of licences for roughly 300 wells within the base, reported that none of its wells had been shut despite a provincial suspension order requiring closure within 14 days and transfer of duties to the Orphan Well Association. Sumerian has written to both the Alberta Energy Regulator and the OWA requesting confirmation of any involvement and responsibility for emergency response, yet reports no response.

CEO Jordy Weinrauch says he has been unable to access the site to inspect the infrastructure and believes no one has entered the base. Canadian Armed Forces Major General Wade Rutland stated that early assessments do not indicate oil-gas facilities caused the fire, a view echoed by the AER. Sumerian plans to appeal the regulator’s suspension and has asked Minister of Energy and Minerals Brian Jean to review the AER’s conduct.