Four service members were killed, and dozens more were seriously injured after a major fire broke out at a military base in Alberta, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Sunday, calling it one of the “worst tragedies” the military has seen at home during a time of peace.
Emergency services were called shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday after the massive blaze erupted at the Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, which is one of the country’s busiest training grounds.
The Canadian military said Sunday that there was no indication the incident was a result of terrorism, but that the cause remained under investigation.
A doctor at a hospital in the city of Edmonton, 180 km (120 miles) northwest, told Canada's national broadcaster that patients were being brought to hospitals across the city as health-care facilities around the base became "completely overwhelmed" by the number of people needing care.
"It is more patients than any of us want to count right now. It's a disaster. It's a one in every 15 to 25-year disaster,” Dr Warren Thirsk said.
Carney said the families of those killed had been notified and that senior military and government officials would provide a more detailed update later Sunday.
Key Points
- Multiple people killed and injured in major blaze at Alberta military base
- Incident is a 'one in every 15 to 25-year disaster', doctor says
- Live training round hit gas line or gas well, reports say
- 'Fatalities and injuries' confirmed by Canadian Armed Forces
- Mark Carney says 'thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected'
Resident near military base reported hearing 'booms'
23:00 , Isabel KeaneA resident who lives near the Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta reported hearing non-stop “booms” Saturday as the fire broke out.
A man who lives nearby told CBC News that he heard repeated “booms,” which is typical for military exercises — until later in the day he heard a large “bang” and the noise stopped.
Soon after, winds picked up and the man realized a fire had broken out as the smoke began to become visible.
Nearly 40 people hospitalized
22:21 , Isabel KeaneThere were 39 people in the hospital Sunday afternoon following the incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, officials said.
Nineteen of those were in critical condition.
No patients were unaccounted for, officials added.
Four service members killed, dozens injured in fire
22:15 , Isabel KeaneFour service members were killed, and dozens of others were injured in the fire, officials confirmed.
“This loss reaches communities in every province,” David McGuinty, Canada’s Minister of National Defense, said during an update Sunday at 3 p.m. local time.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shares condolences
22:02 , Isabel KeaneFormer Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his condolences in a message shared to X on Sunday afternoon.
"My thoughts are with the Canadian Forces community, the victims, and all those impacted by yesterday’s horrible tragedy at CFB Wainwright. We mourn with you," he wrote.
Officials to provide update shortly
21:51 , Isabel KeaneOfficials will provide an update regarding the fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright at 3 p.m. local time.
David McGuinty, Canada’s Minister of National Defense, Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta and Major-General Wade Rutland are set to speak, officials told The Independent.
Polling stations open in Wainwright tomorrow
21:38 , Isabel KeaneElections Alberta has confirmed that both Wainwright voting locations will be open as scheduled for Monday’s referendum vote.
The ballot, which is to decide whether Alberta wants to remain part of Canada, will not immediately bring independence, but will trigger a second, binding referendum on seceding.
When the fire began Saturday, Elections Alberta shuttered the advance polling location at the Wainwright Communiplex, CBC News reported.
U.S. Ambassador says 'heart is heavy' for Canadian Armed Forces
20:00 , Isabel KeaneU.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said his “heart is heavy” for the Canadian Armed Forces community.
Hoekstra said in a statement that he and his wife are "praying for the families of the members lost in the fire at CFB Wainwright, and for the full recovery of those injured."
Prime Minister says 'nation is in mourning'
19:35 , Isabel KeanePrime Minister Mark Carney expressed his condolences for those affected by the fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta.
"The nation is in mourning for those brave members of our armed forces whom we have lost," Carney said.
He also thanked the large response of first responders following the incident.
"Canadians come together in crisis; that is the best of our country," he said.
Fire comes days before Alberta separation vote
19:05 , Isabel KeaneThe fire comes days before residents of Alberta hit the polls on Monday to vote on whether they want to remain part of Canada.
An early-voting station in Wainwright stayed open longer than scheduled on Saturday because of the fire, according to Elections Alberta.
The ballot, which is not a direct vote on immediate independence, would potentially trigger a second, binding referendum on seceding.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has spoken out against the referendum, warning that the U.S. is trying to break Canada apart to gain control of the country’s oil-rich province.
"This referendum comes at the worst possible time," Carney told a crowd gathered for a pro-Canada rally in Calgary. "The world has become more dangerous and divided. Some outside our borders are working to break us so they can own us."
Flags on federal buildings at half-staff
18:45 , Isabel KeanePrime Minister Mark Carney said during a televised appearance Sunday that flags at federal buildings across the country would fly at half-staff to honor those affected by the fire.
It was not immediately clear how many people had been injured.
Families of the deceased notified, Carney says
18:15 , Isabel KeanePrime Minister Mark Carney said the families of the four service members had been notified, and that the situation was still evolving.
Officials did not share the names of those killed in the blaze.
Senior military and government officials said they would be providing more information later Sunday.
Prime Minister says four service members were killed
17:54 , Isabel KeaneFour service members were killed and dozens of others were injured in the fire, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Sunday.
Carney called the incident one of the worst peacetime tragedies the country has seen on domestic soil.
No indications the incident is result of terrorism
15:25 , Holly EvansThe Canadian military said Sunday there were no indications that the incident was the result of terrorism, but the cause remained under investigation.
Defence minister David McGuinty said Sunday he was traveling to Edmonton to be briefed on the latest developments.
He said the military was working closely with Alberta's government and local authorities.
Local town hospital not equipped to tackle mass casualty incident
15:03 , Holly EvansWainwright Mayor Bruce Pugh said the town's small hospital was not designed to handle a mass-casualty incident but praised the response of local medical personnel.
He said helicopters and planes had been transporting patients to other facilities for treatment.
At least 10 ambulances were parked in and around the Wainwright health centre late Saturday as paramedics and soldiers rushed about.
One patient was seen being loaded into an ambulance.
The town of Wainwright, near the base, has about 7,000 residents.
Alberta health agency says few ambulances are available due to incident
14:35 , Holly EvansAcute Care Alberta said several hospitals across the province had activated a "Code Orange," an emergency designation used when multiple severely injured patients require coordinated medical care.
The agency said emergency medical resources were stretched so thin that extremely few ambulances were available in the Edmonton area.
It urged people to avoid the University of Alberta Hospital emergency department if possible.
Chief of defence staff says incident is a 'profoundly difficult moment' for armed forces
14:15 , Holly EvansGeneral Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff released a statement early Sunday morning, saying: "This is a profoundly difficult moment for the entire Canadian Armed Forces.
“Our immediate focus remains on supporting those affected, assisting emergency response efforts, and ensuring the well-being of our members, their families, and the surrounding community.… I extend my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives."
Firefighters face volatile situation with high winds
13:45 , Holly EvansThe Royal Canadian Mounted Police said officers were called shortly after 4pm on Saturday following reports of a fire in a training area at the base.
They added that firefighters faced a volatile situation due to the weather, with winds fanning the flames.
Large areas of the province were hit during the day by a windstorm with gusts up to 100 kilometres an hour.
The wind toppled some trees and sent signs flying and garbage cans rolling down streets.
What has the defence minister said?
13:20 , Holly EvansWhat is the referendum in Alberta on Monday?
13:00 , Holly EvansResidents in Alberta are due to head to the polls on Monday in a referendum to separate from Canada - however, the fire has disrupted advance voting in two polling locations.
Canadian prime Minister Mark Carney warned on Thursday that the United States is trying to break Canada apart to gain control of the country, urging voters in oil-rich Alberta to reject the path toward separation in Monday’s referendum.
The ballot is not a direct vote on immediate independence. Instead, citizens in Alberta—home to the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserves—will decide whether to remain a province or direct the government to initiate legal procedures for a potential future vote on separation.
"This referendum comes at the worst possible time," Carney told a crowd gathered for a pro-Canada rally in Calgary. "The world has become more dangerous and divided. Some outside our borders are working to break us so they can own us."
Air ambulance attends incident
12:35 , Holly EvansThe air ambulance service confirmed that an Edmonton and Saskatoon-based aircraft responded to a scene call in the Wainwright area.
Flight tracking showed a medivac outfitted King Air operated by Alberta Central Airways departing Lac La Biche and landing at CFB Wainwright.
Next of kin notification is underway
12:10 , Holly EvansThe Canadian Armed Forces has said the incident has resulted in “fatalities and injuries” but no more details would be available until next of kin notification process is complete.
“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,” the CAF said in its statement.
Everything we know as several killed or injured in major fire at Canadian military base
11:42 , Holly EvansSeveral people have been killed and many others injured after a large blaze broke out at a Canadian military base.
Emergency services have worked into the night to contain the fire, which has seen hospitals in Edmonton “overwhelmed” and has been described as a “one in every 15 to 25-year disaster”.
Reports of a fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta began at 4pm (10pm GMT), with the Canadian Armed Forces confirming a number of fatalities and injuries, with further details to come after next of kin had been informed.
Here’s everything we know about the incident:
Canada military base fire: Everything we know as several killed or injured
Unconfirmed reports say 'at least seven dead'
11:20 , Holly EvansCanadian broadcaster Global News is reporting at least seven people are dead and many more have been left injured after the incident, citing “multiple military sources”.
The official death toll has not yet been released, and the Canadian Armed Forces has said they will not provide further details until next of kin have been informed.
Fire crossed military base perimeter due to high winds
11:05 , Holly EvansThe Municipal District of Wainwright said the fire crossed the base’s fence earlier Saturday and was spreading rapidly due to high winds.
Firefighters from multiple jurisdictions were responding, and no evacuation order was in effect.
Large areas of the province were hit during the day by a windstorm with gusts up to 100 kilometers an hour. The wind toppled some trees and sent signs flying and garbage cans rolling down streets.
Wainwright mayor says community is 'really worried' about those affected
10:44 , Holly EvansThe mayor Wainwright has said it is a heavy day for the twon and has said a number of residents are serving or former members of the armed forces.
Bruce Pugh told national broadcaster CBC: “So as far as the involvement of our town, our first responders, our fire department has been fighting the fire and our local hospital has been treating the patients as they've been brought into it, trying to do the best we absolutely can.
“We have neighbours who are either serving or former members of the Canadian Armed Forces. We're integrated, our kids playing the same hockey teams, attend the same schools,” he said.
“We share our lives. And so that part is very hard. Of course, we're also really worried about our community members and friends and neighbours who work in our Wainwright hospital.”
Fire disrupts Alberta independence vote
10:31 , Holly EvansThe fire also disrupted advance voting ahead of Monday's referendum on whether Alberta should begin a process that could lead to independence from Canada.
Elections Alberta said two polling locations, in Lloydminster and Vermilion, closed early Saturday and the ballots were transported securely.
Watch: Smoke covers local area after major fire breaks out at Alberta military base
10:12 , Holly EvansTop Nato admiral sends condolences to families of deceased
09:56 , Holly EvansThe chair of the Nato military committee has sent condolences to the families of those affected, and has said that they will honour their memory.
Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone wrote on social media: “On behalf of the NATO Military Committee, 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.
“Wainwright is where Canadian soldiers, and so many Allies with them, train for the hardest tasks of our profession.
“Those who fell there served our common security, and the Military Committee will honour their memory.”
On behalf of the NATO Military Committee, 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.
— Admiral Giuseppe CAVO DRAGONE - NATO CMC (@CMC_NATO) October 18, 2026
Wainwright is where Canadian soldiers, and so many… pic.twitter.com/3zdIR9k9g5
Conservative leader says 'Pray for Wainwright'
09:41 , Holly EvansCanadian Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said he had spoken with Carney and the defence minister to offer support to those affected by the fire.
"Pray for Wainwright, everyone," Poilievre said in a social media post.
He urged people in the area to follow emergency instructions and keep roads clear for first responders.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described the fire as "significant and tragic" and said it was affecting many military personnel.
Pray for Wainwright, everyone.
— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) October 18, 2026
There has been a serious incident that caused a fire at CFB Wainwright. Thank you to the brave firefighters and emergency responders working to save lives.
I have spoken to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence to offer our support to…
Live training round hit gas line or gas well, reports say
09:28 , Holly EvansThe official cause of the explosion and fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta remains under active official investigation, though multiple news outlets citing Canadian Armed Forces sources reported that a live-fire training round struck a gas line or gas well on the base.
High wind gusts reaching up to 100 km/h fanned the flames, causing the fire to spread rapidly beyond the base's perimeter and into the adjacent Municipal District of Wainwright.
Code orange alert called in Edmonton hospitals
09:22 , Holly EvansA code orange alert has been called in Edmonton hospitals — signaling an external disaster or mass casualty incident (MCI).
Dr. Warren Thirsk told national broadcaster CBC that the current situation affects most other emergency services too.
“I know that our EMS colleagues are activated. I know that our fire colleagues are activated. I would expect that our police services are activated and the RCMP,” Dr Thirsk said.
“So I would expect that everyone that would typically respond to any type of emergency is both aware of the disaster situation and mobilising extra teams to respond as quickly as possible.”
Dr Thirsk also says that the number of patients in the situation “quickly exceeded” the threshold for calling the code.
“This wasn’t a hard decision to call a disaster code.”
Situation is 'very active and delicate', defence minister says
09:13 , Holly EvansDefence minister David McGuinty said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were involved in investigating the incident and described the situation as "very, very active and delicate."
He said authorities were still working to determine what happened and expected to provide further information.
Watch: Canadian defence minister issues update on military base fire
09:07 , Holly EvansIn pictures: Emergency services at the scene
09:02 , Holly Evans
What is CFB Wainwright?
08:51 , Holly EvansCFB Wainwright is one of Canada's busiest military training bases, where soldiers prepare for combat operations.
It is home to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, which conducts realistic battlefield exercises, and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, which provides military training.
The fire also disrupted advance voting ahead of Monday's referendum on whether Alberta should begin a process that could lead to independence from Canada.
Elections Alberta said two polling locations, in Lloydminster and Vermilion, closed early Saturday and the ballots were transported securely.
Firefighters faced volatile situation with windstorms
08:41 , Holly EvansThe Royal Canadian Mounted Police said officers were called shortly after 4pm (10pm GMT) Saturday following reports of a fire in a training area at the base.
Firefighters faced a volatile situation with large areas of the province hit during the day by a windstorm with gusts up to 100 kilometres an hour.
The wind toppled some trees and sent signs flying and garbage cans rolling down streets.
By 11 pm (5am GMT), the Municipal District of Wainwright said on social media the fire was being held and that property and critical infrastructure were protected.
There was no evacuation order for residents.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said his province was sending assistance to Alberta but did not specify what resources were being deployed.
PM Mark Carney says 'thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected'
08:32 , Holly EvansCanada’s prime minister Mark Carney has said a “serious incident” has occurred at the Wainwright military base, and that he is working closely with the government of Alberta.
In a post on social media, he said: “A serious incident creating a major fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta.
“Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected.
“We are working closely with the Government of Alberta and local authorities. Premier Smith and I are in close contact as are our relevant ministers and officials.”
A serious incident creating a major fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta.
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) October 18, 2026
Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected.
We are working closely with the Government of Alberta and local authorities. Premier Smith and I are in close contact as are our…
'Fatalities and injuries' confirmed by Canadian Armed Forces
08:28 , Holly EvansThe Canadian Armed Forces have confirmed that the incident has resulted in “fatalities and injuries” but said there would be no further information until they had informed the next of kin of the deceased.
“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,” the CAF said in its statement.
General Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff, said: “This is a profoundly difficult moment for the entire Canadian Armed Forces.
“Our immediate focus remains on supporting those affected, assisting emergency response efforts, and ensuring the well-being of our members, their families, and the surrounding community,” said Carignan.
“While casualty identification and notification processes are ongoing, I extend my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives. Our thoughts are also with all those impacted by this tragic incident.”
Incident is a 'one in every 15 to 25-year disaster', doctor says
08:25 , Holly EvansWhile it is not immediately clear how many people have been killed or injured, a doctor at a hospital in the city of Edmonton, 180 km (120 miles) northwest, told Canada's national broadcaster that patients were being brought to hospitals across the city as health-care facilities around the base became "completely overwhelmed" by the number of people needing care.
"This number of patients would overwhelm the city of Edmonton," Dr. Warren Thirsk, an emergency department physician at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, told CBC News.
"It is more patients than any of us want to count right now. It's a disaster. It's a one in every 15 to 25-year disaster."
Multiple people killed and injured in major blaze at Alberta military base
08:23 , Holly EvansSeveral people have been killed and injured in a major incident at a military base in Alberta after a major fire broke out, while reports said that large numbers of injured people were being transported to hospitals.
Fire crews scrambled late into the night as fierce winds whipped flames beyond Canadian Forces Base Wainwright and into the surrounding rural area.
Emergency services were called at around 4pm on Saturday (10pm GMT) with the fire spreading rapidly and local hospitals overwhelmed.
Canadian TV network Global News reports that at least seven people have been killed, citing unnamed military sources.
