Four dead, dozens wounded after fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta. Live updates here.

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." 

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.

 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. 

Firefighters from Wainwright and the military were on scene outside CFB Wainwright on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026 after fire broke out at the base the previous afternoon. 

Prime Minister says family members of those who died at CFB Wainwright have been notified and that those involved came from military bases across the country, including reservists and soldiers in the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.

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.” 

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. 

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."

"Yesterday afternoon, a violent, fast-moving fire swept through a Canadian Armed Forces base in Wainwright, Alberta. What followed was one of the worst tragedies for the forces in Canadian soil in peace time," Prime Minister Mark Carney said.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says four people are dead and dozens of people have been injured in the incident at CFB Wainwright.

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. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to speak on 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.

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. 

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. 

"While the incident remains under investigation, at this time, there are no indications that it was the result of any terrorist activity."

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.”

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’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.” 

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."

Emergency crews and military personnel at the Wainwright Health Centre as injured military members are treated after a fire at CFB Wainwright, outside of Wainwright, Alta., on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (John Ulan/The Canadian Press)

 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. 

A person parachutes near the Wainwright Health Centre as injured military members are treated after a fire at CFB Wainwright, outside of Wainwright, Alta., on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (John Ulan/The Canadian Press)

Paramedics load an injured person into an ambulance at the Wainwright Health Centre as injured military members are treated after a fire at CFB Wainwright, outside of Wainwright, Alta., on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (John Ulan/The Canadian Press) 

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. 

Ambulances lined the streets of Wainwright on Saturday night after a fire at CFB Wainwright injured multiple people. The total number of affected people is unknown. 

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."

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 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. 

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. "

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.