A fundraising campaign for a soldier severely burned in a deadly fire at an Alberta military base is approaching its $90,000 goal as his family says he faces “a long road to recovery.”
Trevor Flegal from Kitimat, B.C., remains in an intensive care burn unit in Edmonton, with severe burns to about half his body, his family said in a recent statement.
Flegel was one of 39 soldiers injured in a fast-moving blaze that killed four others during a training exercise at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright on Oct. 17. His family said he joined the Army in February 2024 to challenge himself physically and mentally. Military service helped him grow and form lifelong friendships, they said.
The family said Flegel was expected to return home in January to be closer to family, the mountains, and the ocean.
“It has meant so much to our family to get to know some of these young men and hear their stories about Trevor,” the family said in the statement.
“They’ve given us a glimpse into his life in the military, while reminding us that no matter where he lives or what he is doing, Trevor is still the same person.”
Several military and civilian agencies are investigating the fire. At an Oct. 22 news conference, officials said the grass fire began during routine military training on an automatic grenade launcher range before high winds spread it to another range.
Officials also said preliminary findings showed no explosions, no natural gas infrastructure was involved, and no other base infrastructure was damaged. Firefighters could not reach the blaze on the grenade launcher range and instead monitored it visually throughout the day.
A funeral was held at an Edmonton funeral home on Oct. 25 for Sgt. Morgan Wong, whom his sister described as a loyal friend and problem-solver who dedicated himself to serving his community and country. The 26-year-old reservist had been serving with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, when he died.
Fundraising Campaign
Kyle Germuth, a friend of Flegel, started a GoFundMe campaign to raise $90,000. As of Oct. 29, it had raised $74,688 from 431 donations.
Germuth wrote that he has known Flegel for more than a decade, as well as the soldier’s brother, Tyler. Germuth said their friendship blossomed outside of work, as they spent days riding utility vehicles, at the lake, or on the ocean riding jet skis.
“When I look back at our adventures, I think of the laughs, the good times, and the cheeky smile Trevor always seems to have when we’re out enjoying ourselves,” Germuth said.
Germuth said the situation was “heartbreaking,” and he wanted to take action “to make the road a little easier” for Flegel and his family. He noted that while the military will provide some support, the family will face extra expenses and unforeseen challenges in the months ahead.
Germuth said travel, accommodations, meals, time away from work, and everyday necessities add up quickly, while Flegel likely faces “many unknowns” in his recovery and long-term needs.
“My goal is simple: to help ease the financial burden on Trevor and his family so they can focus on what matters most—his recovery and being there for one another,” he said.
“Being surrounded by the people who love and care about him is incredibly important, and I hope that together, we can help make that possible for as long as he needs them.”
The fundraising page said the family wants any leftover money to be directed to a cause that supports veterans, burn survivors, or health care.
The Canadian Press contributed to this article.
