A deadly fire in Wainwright Alberta has left our entire country in mourning, as 39 Canadian Armed forces members have been left injured. Of those, 19 are in critical condition fighting for their lives in hospital. Tragically, four members of our country’s military have lost their lives.

The devastating loss has connections here in Metro Vancouver. Canada’s Department of National Defence has confirmed that 23-year-old Pte. Aidan Goulding from North Vancouver and Langley’s Pte. Hayden Lykkemark were among the victims.

The flags at Langley Secondary are flying at half mast for the fallen soldiers, including 19-year-old Hayden, who was a former student at the school.

Trevor Plater was Hayden’s rugby coach during his senior year. Plater described him as “everybody’s best friend,” a true teammate, and a fantastic athlete.

“He was a kind, generous kid,” he said.

“When he talked, everybody listened.”

Plater says he plans to honour Hayden in the future with an award or memorial tournament.

Before Aidan Goulding joined the army, he was a mechanic in Langford, working with Jason Aquino. Aquino says Aidan made a significant impact on him during their short time working together. As Aidan was planning to leave for the Army, he gifted Aquino his toolbox, which he still uses today.

“It sends me a reminder, every time … everywhere I go, every client I deal with, every time I open my trunk, toolbox,” he said.

Tributes to the two fallen soldiers poured in from across the country. B.C. Premier David Eby also said in a statement, “In this moment of profound heartbreak, as British Columbians and Canadians, let’s wrap our arms around their families, supporting them and joining in the mourning of this horrible tragedy.”

Sgt. Morgan Wong of Edmonton and Pte. Shaun Farrell of Prince Albert, Sask. also died in the fire.

Canada’s military says officials were aware of a wildfire in the area but didn’t consider it a threat before a violent windstorm blew in, killing four and sending scores of soldiers to hospital with bad burns.

— With files from The Canadian Press