Edmonton Daily Brief

Wainwright fire spread rapidly amid wind, dryness and cold front

Powerful winds, shifting directions and dry weather contributed to the rapid expansion of the grass fire at the military base that killed four soldiers and wounded 39 others. Environment and Climate Change Canada had issued a severe weather alert warning of wind gusts of up to 90 kilometres per hour in the region. University of Alberta wildfire expert Jen Beverly said the conditions created a “perfect storm” for the fire to spread. The military has launched what Prime Minister Mark Carney called a “comprehensive investigation.”

• CTV News Edmonton

Wainwright fire burned for hours before soldiers were overtaken

Training continued at CFB Wainwright while a fire had been burning on the base and forecasts warned of high winds, dry conditions and an approaching cold front. The fire later overtook soldiers during a live-fire exercise, killing four Canadian Armed Forces members and injuring 39. NASA satellite data detected 59 possible fire hotspots at about 12:20 p.m., roughly four hours before the blaze expanded. The military said commanders continued training because they believed the fire was contained.

• Global News Edmonton

Family remembers Edmonton-born soldier killed in Wainwright fire

Sgt. Morgan Wong was one of four Canadian Armed Forces members killed when a grass fire overtook soldiers during a live-fire exercise at CFB Wainwright. His family said he was always there for anyone who needed him and was extremely proud to serve with the CAF. Wong was 26, was born in Edmonton and graduated from the University of Alberta in 2022 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. His family said he was training for his second tour in Europe.

• Global News Edmonton

Edmonton police identify west-end shooting death as homicide

An autopsy found that 28-year-old Justin Hunt died from multiple gunshot wounds and ruled his death a homicide. Hunt was found near 160 Street and 118 Avenue on Oct. 16 and died at the scene. Edmonton police said three adult males had been arrested and investigators were not seeking additional suspects. The EPS Homicide Section continues to investigate.

Earlier Three charged with first-degree murder in west Edmonton shooting 18 Oct

AllegationThis is a report that the allegation was made. The Brief has not verified it, and none of it has been tested in court.

• Edmonton Police Service

Edmonton man charged in woman’s death after house fire

Edmonton police arrested Cory Wiltzen in connection with the death of Teresa Katcheech, whose body was found after a house fire on Feb. 9. An autopsy found Katcheech died of gunshot wounds and blunt force trauma, with the manner of death listed as homicide. Wiltzen, 48, faces charges of second-degree murder, indignity to human remains and arson. Police said the two knew one another but were not believed to be in a relationship.

Earlier Two men charged with second-degree murder in Ponoka County death 5 Oct · Police seek Lloydminster man charged with second-degree murder 23 Sep · Man pleads guilty to firearms charges in mall shooting case 23 Sep

AllegationThis is a report that the allegation was made. The Brief has not verified it, and none of it has been tested in court.

• CTV News Edmonton

Fort McMurray RCMP cruiser crash sends two people to hospital

Two people, including a police officer, were hospitalized after two RCMP cruisers crashed in Fort McMurray on Tuesday. RCMP said one cruiser hit another after an officer slowed to help a passenger experiencing a medical emergency. The passenger and officer were taken to Northern Lights Regional Health Centre with non-life-threatening injuries and have since been released. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

• CTV News Edmonton

University of Alberta Hospital weapons screening stops 3,000 items

The University of Alberta Hospital introduced a weapons detection system for patients and visitors entering its emergency department on Sept. 2. The system uses non-ionizing radiation to scan and identify the density and shape of a metallic object; artificial intelligence then identifies whether the item matches information in the database and classifies it accordingly. Protective services said 2,148 items had been safely stored and the amnesty drop had been used 757 times. Patients and visitors can store or dispose of unsafe items before entering the emergency room.

Earlier University of Alberta Hospital adds weapons screening at emergency department 3 Sep · University of Alberta Hospital adds weapons detection system 2 Sep

• The Gateway