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A fifth soldier has died as a result of the fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, the Department of National Defence says.
Pte. William Douglas Dal Bianco, of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI), died in an Ontario hospital Friday from injuries he sustained in the fire on Oct. 17, the department said in a news release on Saturday.
National Defence Minister David McGuinty and military officials, including Gen. Jennie Carignan, the country’s top soldier, were quoted in the release, offering condolences to loved ones and troops who knew him.
“We will honour his dedicated service and continue to stand with all those affected by this tragedy along the difficult road ahead,” Carignan said.
The tragedy at CFB Wainwright, located roughly 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton, occurred during afternoon live-fire training.
Military officials have previously said a grass fire was burning in a permanent danger area within the base, preventing base firefighters from accessing it. Sudden strong winds in the region — Environment and Climate Change Canada issued weather warnings that day for various parts of Alberta — rapidly spread the flames.
The fire initially killed four service members and injured 39 others.
Saturday’s news release says 24 soldiers are still in hospital.