Officials were aware of a fire at CFB Wainwright for several hours before it rapidly spread towards a training area where soldiers were taking part in exercises.
Maj-Gen. L.W. Rutland told reporters during a briefing on Sunday afternoon that the fire broke out as soldiers were taking part in a training exercise ahead of deployment to Latvia.
He said that a group of soldiers were throwing hand grenades on a hand grenade range and conducting a section attack, with 10 soldiers attacking a simulated enemy when the fire first broke out.
“The fire was a kilometre away when the wind shifted. It is not normal for a fire to move a kilometre in 30 to 60 seconds,” he said.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says 39 people were hospitalized following the fire on Saturday and at least 19 of them are listed in critical condition.
Officials have previously confirmed that four Canadian soldiers were killed in the fire.
During a press conference on Sunday afternoon, Smith said that patients were transferred to four Alberta hospitals and all are now accounted for.
Smith said that Code Orange protocols were put into place at the hospitals receiving patients but have since been lifted.
- Retired major-general says training at CFB Wainwright ‘as real as it can be’
- Ontario mayoral candidate’s son critically injured in CFB Wainwright tragedy
- Ontario ‘ready to help’ as four fatalities reported at Alberta military base
The Department of National Defence has said that there are no indications that the fire and explosion at CFB Wainwright was a terrorist attack.
A spokesperson shared that the incident remains under investigation.
CFB Wainwright is located approximately 210 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.
CTV News has multiple journalists on the ground at CFB Wainwright and in surrounding communities, reporting confirmed details and providing accurate, up-to-the-minute updates.
Follow along for live updates and key details
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Key details:
- Four dead, dozens wounded in explosion and fire
- Carney says situation evolving 'rapidly'
- Alberta Premier calls incident 'heartbreaking'
- Explosion at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, east of Edmonton
- Occurred at 4 p.m. local time, Saturday
- Military says "full extent of impact" still being assessed
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford offers recovery assistance
Update on hospitalized soldiers
Dr. Sayeh Zielke, the CEO of Acute Care Alberta, provided an update on the CAF members who are in hospital during a news conference on Sunday.
Nineteen people are in critical condition, eight are stable, and 12 are ambulatory and are receiving care for injuries that can be assessed without admission Zielke said.
Fire reached training area in 30 to 60 seconds: Maj-Gen. Rutland
Maj-Gen. L.W. Rutland told reporters that officials at CFB Wainwright were aware of the fire for several hours before it turned toward the training area where soldiers were taking part in exercises.
Officials decided to carry on with the training despite the fire, Rutland said, adding that the fire spread rapidly when the winds turned.
"The fire was a kilometre away when the wind shifted. It is not normal for a fire to move a kilometre in 30 to 60 seconds," he said.
CAF officials believe there was no damage to oil and gas infrastructure as a result of the fire, Rutland said.
Smith says referendum still on
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the upcoming referendum on Monday will go ahead.
“Elections Alberta responded very quickly and they did divert those who wanted to vote in the last of the advanced polls yesterday to other polling stations,” said Smith.
She encouraged those who think there may be a disruption at their polling station to go to the Elections Alberta website.
Soldiers were working with hand grenades when the fire first broke out: CAF
The 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and reservists were taking part in high-intensity training ahead of deployment to Latvia, Maj-Gen. L.W. Rutland said.
Rutland says the Charlie company, or C company soldiers were throwing hand grenades on a hand grenade range and conducting a section attack, with 10 soldiers attacking a simulated enemy when the fire broke out.
Rutland says there are about 84 soldiers in the C company.
Cause of fire at CFB Wainwright still under investigation
The Canadian Armed Forces say a fire broke out during a training exercise at CFB Wainwright on Saturday.
Maj-Gen. L.W. Rutland told reporters a grass fire ignited in the training area at the base during a training exercise.
He said the wind caused the fire to shift towards the training area, and it crossed fire guards before it was contained.
The fire is not believed to be a result of oil and gas infrastructure or outside interference, but the cause is still under investigation.
39 hospitalized, 19 in critical condition
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says 39 people were hospitalized after the fire at CFB Wainwright, 19 of them in critical condition.
All patients have been accounted for, Smith says.
The Canadian Armed Forces says families of all affected members have been notified.
Pro-Canada rally goes ahead in Edmonton
A pro-Canada rally was held in Edmonton on Sunday and while attendees were focused on the referendum on Monday, the incident in Wainwright was still top of mind.
Organizer Gil McGowan said the Wainwright tragedy "hangs like a real dark cloud" over the event.
McGowan, the head of the Alberta Federation of Labour, thanked first responders from around Canada and said it's a poignant reminder of why Canada is better united.
Albertans are set to vote on Monday whether the province should remain in Canada or if a referendum should be held on separation.
Albertans are set to vote on Monday whether the province should remain in Canada or if a referendum should be held on separation.
With files from The Canadian Press
Canadian Blood Services calling for donations in wake of fire
Canadian Blood Services is extending its condolences to the victims of the CFB Wainwright fire and says it is accepting donations to support the injured.
"Our top priority is ensuring patients in Canada receive the blood and blood products they need. We are closely monitoring the needs of patients and hospitals in Alberta and will continue to work with health system partners to ensure those needs are met," a media spokesperson wrote in a statement to CTV News Edmonton on Sunday.
"We are grateful to the many people who have already reached out to ask how they can help. Donating blood is one meaningful way to support patients in Canada, both now and in the weeks ahead. Many appointments are still available throughout Alberta and across Canada, and donations in the coming weeks will help to keep our national inventory strong."
Code Orange lifted
Acute Care Alberta says all Code Orange activations have been lifted following the emergency response that involved health-care teams and emergency services in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Emergency Health Services Alberta deployed 30 units to Wainwright, including 22 ground ambulances, six fixed-wing and two rotary wing units.
Patients were transferred from the Wainwright Health Care Centre to the University of Alberta Hospital, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Foothills Medical Centre, and Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre.
A Code Orange is activated when a mass casualty event occurs and the health-care system is put under pressure due to a higher volume of patients.
The code was activated for more than 10 hours before being lifted shortly before 1 p.m.
‘Largest accident’ ever seen: Military expert
A military and national security expert tells CTV News Channel that the explosion and ensuing fire at CFB Wainwright appears to have been “largest accident” ever seen in the Canadian Armed Forces.
“What we know so far is the conditions were very dangerous in a sense. It was very high winds,” Anthony Seaboyer said. “It was incredibly dry, and this just highlights how dangerous the job is that Canadian Armed Forces members are facing every day.”
He said the human element is the largest challenge, adding that it’s difficult to assess what caused the fire.
“The question is in what regard how much of the material or equipment is damaged at this point,” Seaboyer said.
“What we know so far is the conditions were very dangerous in a sense. It was very high winds,” Anthony Seaboyer said. “It was incredibly dry, and this just highlights how dangerous the job is that Canadian Armed Forces members are facing every day.”
He said the human element is the largest challenge, adding that it’s difficult to assess what caused the fire.
“The question is in what regard how much of the material or equipment is damaged at this point,” Seaboyer said.
Fire crews work the burn area on CFB Wainwright south of the town Wainwright Alta., on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. Four people have been killed and numerous others injured. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Ulan
Video from private property shows fire at CFB Wainwright
A video shared from a private property shows the fire that broke out near CFB Wainwright.
The video was taken one kilometre from CFB Wainwright on Saturday and shows flames actively burning in the area, with smoke billowing past.
Prime Minister Mark Carney described the flames on Sunday as "violent" and "fast-moving".
'Deeply saddened': former Alberta premier
A former Alberta premier said people hearing the news of the fire will be 'deeply saddened.'
"If you live in east central Alberta in the Wainwright area, this base is part of your life, " Jason Kenney told News Channel on Sunday. "You get to know the soldiers and the base staff (is) a very large part of the whole broader community out in that sparsely populated area."
Albertans, he added, have the highest attendance to Remembrance Day events and a "deep regard for the sacrifices taken by our men and women in uniform."
Nearly 40 EMS patients being treated: ER doctor
An emergency physician at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton says there are nearly 40 patients being cared for at various hospitals in the region, with several requiring intubation and breathing tubes.
“It’s a pretty serious event for any region to manage,” Dr. Steve Fisher told CTV News Edmonton Sunday.
Fisher said many of the patients have various degrees of burns, with the most seriously affected being treated at the University of Alberta Hospital where the burn ICU is.
The doctor did not have exact numbers for how many patients were being treated at either hospital, but said he was told there were nearly 40 EMS patients total.
Wainwright incident ‘worst tragedy’: former NATO commander
Retired major-general David Fraser says the explosion and fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta could be the worst training tragedy he has witnessed in his military career, as investigators work to establish what happened.
“We are now dealing with the worst tragedy that I’ve seen in my entire career,” Fraser, a CTV military analyst and former commander of NATO forces in southern Afghanistan told CTV News Channel.
Fraser, who was posted at Wainwright and trained there extensively, said he had seen no indications the incident was anything other than an accident.
He said Canadian military bases have established safety procedures for live-fire and other training exercises. He expects those procedures to remain in place until investigators determine whether changes are needed.
“We learn from every incident,” he said.
“We are now dealing with the worst tragedy that I’ve seen in my entire career,” Fraser, a CTV military analyst and former commander of NATO forces in southern Afghanistan told CTV News Channel.
Fraser, who was posted at Wainwright and trained there extensively, said he had seen no indications the incident was anything other than an accident.
He said Canadian military bases have established safety procedures for live-fire and other training exercises. He expects those procedures to remain in place until investigators determine whether changes are needed.
“We learn from every incident,” he said.
Maritime premiers offer condolences
All three Maritime premiers offered condolences to those affected by the CFB Wainwright incident on Sunday.
"Members of the Canadian Armed Forces are part of Nova Scotia's fabric," Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said in a Facebook post. "Nearly every Nova Scotian knows someone. They are our neighbours. Our kids go to school and play hockey together. They are dedicated community volunteers and they are our friends. Today all those who are suffering are in our prayers.”
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said her heart goes out to everyone affected by this incident.
“Here in New Brunswick, CFB Gagetown is a big part of our province, and we know how tightly military service members and their families are woven into our communities,” she said in a Facebook post.
Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz extended his deepest condolences Sunday.
“To the first responders and medical teams who answered the call, thank you for your care and courage,” Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz Lantz said in a Facebook post.
“Islanders have a proud history of service, and when members of the Canadian Armed Forces are hurting, we feel it too. Please keep everyone affected in your thoughts today, and check in on the military families and veterans in your community.”
"Members of the Canadian Armed Forces are part of Nova Scotia's fabric," Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said in a Facebook post. "Nearly every Nova Scotian knows someone. They are our neighbours. Our kids go to school and play hockey together. They are dedicated community volunteers and they are our friends. Today all those who are suffering are in our prayers.”
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said her heart goes out to everyone affected by this incident.
“Here in New Brunswick, CFB Gagetown is a big part of our province, and we know how tightly military service members and their families are woven into our communities,” she said in a Facebook post.
Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz extended his deepest condolences Sunday.
“To the first responders and medical teams who answered the call, thank you for your care and courage,” Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz Lantz said in a Facebook post.
“Islanders have a proud history of service, and when members of the Canadian Armed Forces are hurting, we feel it too. Please keep everyone affected in your thoughts today, and check in on the military families and veterans in your community.”
Barrie-area mayoral candidate’s son critically injured
A Barrie area mayoral candidate’s son has been seriously hurt in the tragedy at CFB Wainwright, Alberta.
Cathy Keane, who’s running for mayor of Oro-Medonte, shared in a social media post on Sunday morning that her family received the news overnight that her eldest son is among the military personnel who have been critically injured.
Keane says while she is still in the mayoral race, she will be unable to continue door-knocking for the rest of the campaign as she is heading to Alberta.
“As a mother, right now I need to be with my son and family,” she says in the post.
Cathy Keane, who’s running for mayor of Oro-Medonte, shared in a social media post on Sunday morning that her family received the news overnight that her eldest son is among the military personnel who have been critically injured.
Keane says while she is still in the mayoral race, she will be unable to continue door-knocking for the rest of the campaign as she is heading to Alberta.
“As a mother, right now I need to be with my son and family,” she says in the post.
Alberta's Smith calls Wainwright incident 'heartbreaking'
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith released a statement on Sunday after Prime Minister Mark Carney's remarks.
"The loss of life and injuries are heartbreaking. On behalf of the Government of Alberta, I extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and wish those who have been injured a full recovery. Our thoughts are also with the military personnel, families and colleagues facing uncertainty and grief during this incredibly difficult time," Smith said.
"I will be traveling to Edmonton today to meet with provincial ministers and federal officials. The Government of Alberta continues to work closely with the federal government and local authorities. We have convened our Emergency Management Cabinet Coordination Committee and the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre (PECC) has been activated to a level 3."
"The loss of life and injuries are heartbreaking. On behalf of the Government of Alberta, I extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and wish those who have been injured a full recovery. Our thoughts are also with the military personnel, families and colleagues facing uncertainty and grief during this incredibly difficult time," Smith said.
"I will be traveling to Edmonton today to meet with provincial ministers and federal officials. The Government of Alberta continues to work closely with the federal government and local authorities. We have convened our Emergency Management Cabinet Coordination Committee and the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre (PECC) has been activated to a level 3."
Deadly incident at CFB Wainwright
Authorities have not yet shared how many fatalities and injuries resulted from the explosion and fire.
Photographers on the ground have captured ambulances, paramedics and emergency personnel at the scene on Saturday night, treating the injured.
Photographers on the ground have captured ambulances, paramedics and emergency personnel at the scene on Saturday night, treating the injured.
Carney now expected to speak at 12:15 p.m. EST
Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to speak on CFB Wainwright
Prime Minister Mark Carney to speak CFB Wainwright
Prime Minister Mark Carney will speak on the CFB Wainwright explosion.
Officials have not shared how many fatalities and injuries there are from Saturday's incident.
Resources for military families and staff impacted at CFB Wainwright
The Edmonton Military Family Resource Centre is open Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. MT to support military families impacted by the events at CFB Wainwright.
Families can come and connect in a safe and supportive space.
People needing additional support can call the Family Information Line at 1-800-866-4546 for free, confidential support 24 hour a day, seven days a week.
Families can come and connect in a safe and supportive space.
People needing additional support can call the Family Information Line at 1-800-866-4546 for free, confidential support 24 hour a day, seven days a week.
Ottawa rules out terrorism in CFB Wainwright incident
A spokesperson for National Defence says there are no indications that the CFB Wainwright incident was a terrorist attack.
"As emergency responders continue their work and the situation continues to evolve, the full extent of the impact remains under assessment. Our immediate priority is supporting those affected and notifying next of kin. We will not confirm casualty or injury details until that process is complete," Laura McIntyre-Grills wrote in a statement to CTV News Edmonton.
"As emergency responders continue their work and the situation continues to evolve, the full extent of the impact remains under assessment. Our immediate priority is supporting those affected and notifying next of kin. We will not confirm casualty or injury details until that process is complete," Laura McIntyre-Grills wrote in a statement to CTV News Edmonton.
"While the incident remains under investigation, at this time, there are no indications that it was the result of any terrorist activity."
Code Orange activated for Wainwright response
Edmonton emergency room physician Dr. Warren Thirsk confirmed a Code Orange was activated in response to the Wainwright incident but would not confirm how many people were injured or killed.
"The frontline workers of EMS, Fire, Nursing, Physicians, STARS, Air Ambulance and all Allied health workers responded and continue to work in an exemplary and professional way," he wrote in a statement to CTV News Edmonton.
"Out of respect for all affected by the tragedy, further information will come through official channels.”
"The frontline workers of EMS, Fire, Nursing, Physicians, STARS, Air Ambulance and all Allied health workers responded and continue to work in an exemplary and professional way," he wrote in a statement to CTV News Edmonton.
"Out of respect for all affected by the tragedy, further information will come through official channels.”
Defence minister heads to Edmonton after CFB Wainwright incident
Defence Minister David McGuinty is on his way to Edmonton to receive a briefing on the latest developments following the incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta.
In a post on X, McGuinty said the Department of National Defence continues to work closely with the Alberta government and local authorities.
He thanked first responders, Canadian Armed Forces members and provincial officials for their efforts, adding: “To the families and everyone in Wainwright: Canada stands with you.”
NATO offers condolences after tragedy at CFB Wainwright
NATO’s Military Committee has offered condolences to the families of those killed in a tragedy at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta and wished a full recovery to those injured.
In a post on X, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of the NATO Military Committee, said: “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragedy at CFB Wainwright, and our wishes for a full recovery to all the injured.”
Dragone said the victims “served our common security” and added that “all 32 Allied Chiefs of Defence stand with you and the Canadian Armed Forces.”
He also thanked first responders, medical staff and the people of Wainwright for their “courage and solidarity.”
In a post on X, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of the NATO Military Committee, said: “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragedy at CFB Wainwright, and our wishes for a full recovery to all the injured.”
Dragone said the victims “served our common security” and added that “all 32 Allied Chiefs of Defence stand with you and the Canadian Armed Forces.”
He also thanked first responders, medical staff and the people of Wainwright for their “courage and solidarity.”
Edmonton mayor responds to Wainwright incident
Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack responded to the incident in Wainwright in a social media post on Sunday morning.
"On behalf of the Edmonton City Council and all Edmontonians, I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts are also with the loved ones and first responders who are supporting them during this difficult time," Knack wrote.
"I have been in contact with the offices of the Premier and Prime Minister, as well as the Mayor of Wainwright, Mayor Bruce Pugh, and have offered Edmonton's unwavering support."
"On behalf of the Edmonton City Council and all Edmontonians, I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts are also with the loved ones and first responders who are supporting them during this difficult time," Knack wrote.
"I have been in contact with the offices of the Premier and Prime Minister, as well as the Mayor of Wainwright, Mayor Bruce Pugh, and have offered Edmonton's unwavering support."
High winds caused fire to spread
The Municipal District of Wainwright said on Saturday evening that high winds caused the fire to spread rapidly into the area.
Officials said it crossed the base fence earlier Saturday and was being managed south of Wainwright.
Crews fought a volatile situation as parts of the province saw wind gusts of up to 100 km/h on Saturday.
MD of Wainwright information officers told CTV News Edmonton on Saturday that the spread was under control late night.
Officials said it crossed the base fence earlier Saturday and was being managed south of Wainwright.
Crews fought a volatile situation as parts of the province saw wind gusts of up to 100 km/h on Saturday.
MD of Wainwright information officers told CTV News Edmonton on Saturday that the spread was under control late night.
‘Significant’ EMS resources required: Acute Care Alberta
On Saturday night, Acute Care Alberta said “significant resources” were required from Emergency Health Services on scene and Edmonton-area emergency departments into the night.
Albertans were asked to avoid the University of Alberta Hospital ER if possible.
A CTV News Edmonton camera captured a steady stream of ambulances and medical personnel at the Wainwright Health Centre, which sits beside the district’s high school.
STARS Air Ambulance dispatched two air ambulances from Saskatoon and Edmonton.
Helicopters and two aircrafts landed on the nearby medevac site late Saturday night. Parachutes could be seen coming in from the sky to the school.
Albertans were asked to avoid the University of Alberta Hospital ER if possible.
A CTV News Edmonton camera captured a steady stream of ambulances and medical personnel at the Wainwright Health Centre, which sits beside the district’s high school.
STARS Air Ambulance dispatched two air ambulances from Saskatoon and Edmonton.
Helicopters and two aircrafts landed on the nearby medevac site late Saturday night. Parachutes could be seen coming in from the sky to the school.
Danielle Smith responds to Wainwright fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith released a statement on the Wainwright incident on Saturday.
"Alberta’s government is in close contact with the Government of Canada and Prime Minister Mark Carney as this situation evolves," Smith wrote on X.
"Thank you to the first responders and all those providing care and support to those affected."
"Alberta’s government is in close contact with the Government of Canada and Prime Minister Mark Carney as this situation evolves," Smith wrote on X.
"Thank you to the first responders and all those providing care and support to those affected."
Ontario's Marit Stiles expresses support for families
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles is also expressing her condolences to Canadian Armed Forces members and their families following Saturday’s deadly explosion.
In a statement, Stiles acknowledged the uncertainty facing military families as officials continue assessing the extent of the tragedy.
“I cannot imagine the weight of this news for families with loved ones in the service. Canadians stand with you,” she said.
Stiles also thanked first responders and health-care workers treating those injured in the incident, adding that she joins Canadians across the country in awaiting further information
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles speaks to media at Queen’s Park in Toronto, on Thursday, April 3, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Laura Proctor
Ontario ready to help following deadly explosion
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is offering the province’s support following an explosion and fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta that resulted in an unknown number of fatalities and injuries.
In a statement posted to social media Sunday, Ford expressed his sympathies to those affected, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and emergency crews responding to the incident.
“As Canadians, let’s come together to support our brave men and women in uniform, who put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and our country,” Ford said.
He added that Ontario stands "ready to help" with recovery efforts.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Emergency crews and military personnel at the Wainwright Health Centre (Left: THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Ulan. Right: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh).
“"Ontario stands ready to help"”Premier Doug Ford
Mark Carney in 'close contact' with Danielle Smith
Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was in 'close contact' with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith following the explosion at CFB Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday.
"A serious incident creating a major fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta," his statement, posted to X, reads.
"Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected. "
Unknown number of casualties, injuries
The Canadian military has not released details on the number of casualties and injuries from the explosion on Saturday.
In a statement released early Sunday, the Canadian Armed Forces states that "the full extent of the impact remains under assessment."
“Our immediate priority is supporting those affected and notifying next of kin." the statement reads.
CAF stated that they would not release details on casualties or injuries until that process was complete.
