This story contains initial breaking news details from Saturday, Oct. 17. The latest information can be found here.
Several people are dead and dozens more left injured from an explosion and fire at the Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, according to multiple military sources.
A preliminary investigation suggests a munition from the live training exercise sparked a fast-moving grass fire, which caused an explosion.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that four service members perished and their next of kin have been notified, adding that dozens more were seriously injured.
Separate military sources told Global News that at least seven people died in the blast and fire, and dozens more were injured at the base, located around 200 kilometres from Edmonton.
The Canadian Armed Forces said in a statement on Sunday morning the emergency occurred at about 4 p.m. MT Saturday.
The CAF said military and civilian emergency services responded quickly to control that fire and to “support those affected by this tragic event.”
The flames were blinding, a source on scene said, adding troops were loading the injured to bring back to base before going back into the field to collect more of their comrades.
No amount of training could have prepared them for this, the source said.
“I cannot recall an incident like this in recent memory,” Minister of National Defence David McGuinty said on Saturday night when addressing the mass casualty event at the military base in central Alberta.
“This is a very, very active and delicate situation.”
Military medics were seen being briefed at the emergency department of the hospital in Wainwright, where dozens of ambulances also converged to treat and transport patients.
More than a dozen CAF personnel were also parachuted into Wainwright late Saturday night, arriving at the health centre to respond to the explosion and fire.
While the Canadian Armed Forces confirmed there were fatalities and injuries, an update Sunday morning said the situation continues to evolve and 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,” the military said.
Located on the Prairies in rural eastern Alberta, CFB Wainwright is one Canada’s busiest military training bases, used mainly to train soldiers and prepare units for combat operations.
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It’s also the site of the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, which prepares military units to operate together in realistic battlefield conditions, and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, which provides basic infantry training.
The head of the Canadian Armed Forces said the military was facing a serious incident at CFB Wainwright and was working in close collaboration with federal, provincial, and local authorities.
“Our priority remains the welfare of our members, their families and their community, and my thoughts are with all those affected by this incident,” Chief of the Defence Staff Jennie Carignan said in a statement.
“At this time, our thoughts are with the families and with everyone impacted by this tragic event,” McGuinty said when announcing people had been killed and injured as a result of an incident on the base.
“And I want to thank, in particular, the first responders and everyone providing assistance at a very difficult time.”
The Wainwright Military Family Resource Centre said it was ready to support its military community during this difficult time and asked those in need to call the Family Information Line, which is available 24/7, at 1-800-866-4546.
Alberta hospitals declare mass casualty incident
Several Alberta hospitals were put under a Code Orange, which is declared when a mass casualty incident or external disaster has occurred and many injured patients are expected to arrive all at once.
Acute Care Alberta said significant care resources are needed to support the response to the tragedy, both from EHS-Alberta and in Edmonton-area emergency departments.
The closest major trauma centres to the base are in Edmonton and Albertans in the region were urged Saturday night to avoid tying up health-care resources unless absolutely necessary.
In order to treat both the incoming base patients and continue to address routine demand for urgent care, the ACA told people to avoid the University of Alberta Hospital emergency department.
Albertans requiring immediate, emergency care for life-threatening illnesses or injuries were told to go to any of Edmonton’s other acute care facilities, if at all possible.
Ambulances from across Alberta were diverted to the base about 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton, taking them away from responding to 911 calls in other communities.
“At this time, extremely few EHS-Alberta response unit are available in the Edmonton-area, and acute capacity is finite in several communities across Alberta,” ACA said.
STARS Air Ambulance said it also dispatched crews from both its Edmonton and Saskatoon bases to the fire-related emergency in Wainwright area this evening, as part of a multi-agency response.
One of the agency’s helicopters was spotted landing Saturday night at the University of Alberta Hospital, where the city’s burn unit is located.
Acute Care Alberta said people with non-emergency needs were also asked to consider options besides going to the E.R., including seeing primary care providers, visiting walk-in clinics, going to urgent care if such a facility exists in their community, or calling Health Link 811 to speak to a health-care worker over the phone.
“Choosing care wisely helps us ensure that emergency care is there for those who need it most.”
Alberta Member of Parliament Dane Lloyd said he heard there were “significant casualties” after an explosion and fire at the base.
Lloyd, who represents a riding west of Edmonton, asked in a social media post for people to pray for the soldiers and their families.
McGuinty said the Canadian Armed Forces, the Department of National Defence and the federal government will have more to share in the coming days.
High winds fuel fire near Wainwright
Much of Alberta was under wind warnings on Saturday, and the explosion triggered a fire that was fuelled by gusts of up to 100 km/h.
The Municipal District of Wainwright said the fire south of town crossed the base fence earlier in the day and was being actively managed.
Firefighting resources from multiple jurisdictions responded and around midnight, the municipality said the wildfire was being held.
A fire watch would remain in place overnight to monitor the affected area and address any changing conditions.
FIRMS (NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System) tracks active fires by satellite and shows a cluster of them on Saturday just to the southeast of the town of Wainwright.
Fire shuts down Alberta referendum advance polling station
Saturday was the final day of advance polling ahead of Monday’s Alberta referendum and the fire forced one location to close early.
Elections Alberta said the fire that originated near the military base spread rapidly due to high winds and has crossed into the municipality, impacting the Wainwright Communiplex advance vote location.
Voters in the Electoral Division 86 were redirected to two other advance vote locations at the Border Inn in Lloydminster, about 105 kilometres to the northeast, and the Vermilion Elks Hall, which was about 65 kilometres directly north of Wainwright.
Elections Alberta said the ballot boxes and materials from Wainwright were being moved securely.
Leaders offer condolences
Premier Danielle Smith has also confirmed the incident, saying there has been a “significant and tragic fire” at CFB Wainwright.
In a post on social media, the premier added the incident has affected many military personnel.
She added that the province is in contact with the federal government and the prime minister.
Prime Minister Mark Carney also posted on social media that his thoughts are with all the brave men and women affected.
Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Official Opposition and Member of Parliament for Battle River—Crowfoot, put out a message saying: “Pray for Wainwright, everyone. 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.
Poilievre said he spoke with the prime minister and the Minister of Defence to offer his support to everyone on the base and in the community.
“To everyone in the area, please stay safe, follow local emergency instructions, and keep roads clear for first responders,” Poilievre said.
— with files from Amy Judd and The Canadian Press
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Something does not add up. The grass fire was already burning for hours only one kilometer away when they conducted their exercises. Why wasn’t it called off?
@Jackson D. Um, what? Surely you’re drunk.
OMG! Change the TITLE to CORRECT NUMBER OF DECEASED
Global should change Qty of soldiers dead to 4. Not 7. Typical Global a month behind updates!
4 Dead my condolances to the families and to the ignorant American, The USA is now a laughing stock run by a pedifile baby killer convicted felon
who will get his just rewards
Who got mad at whom than decided to check out military action in real life killing on base. What a cover story, glad no indigenous was not involved, any hoot, Go Vote Alberta.
Accident or not , you have to wonder the timing of this . I feel for the families of the victims . And on a side note , Canada is going down the drain if we don’t change our federal goverment .
HORRIBLE. HORRIBLE. HORRIBLE REPORTING ….. 7 DEAD.
FOUR PERISHED …. to many, just making a point to LOUSY GLOBAL NEWS
The number of casualties isn’t correct. Check facts before posting wrong information.
Don’t EVER tell me who to cry over!
There are no gas lines or well heads in a live fire range, get your damn facts right
@David Best
October 18, 2026 at 3:02 pm
RGR. I can see an LZ being illuminated to “land’ and render medical assistance, that makes sense, any idea why they are being identified as parachutists? Are we talking 2nd Battalion or just misidentified Field Amb or Base Wainwright medics.
I hope all the nonsensical responses here cease, there are going to be some very heart broken kids, spouses and parents right now on top of the severely burned and damaged troops that need everyone’s prayers.
@Ben 1124am. Your daddy served in the military? So you were adobted.
The media states that parachutists were seen landing in the area after dark to render assustance. The truth is the rescuers were launching flairs to illuminate the area. They burn in the sky for up to 60 seconds and after being launched come down slowly by parachute…there were no parachutists or search and rescue coming down by parachute.
Ron Walker @ 2:26pm.
“Incompetence?” I’m really impressed that you solved the case. ( IDIOT. ) A large live fire exercise using most likely a large number of personel and vehicles over a large area. How about we wait to see what the investigation shows. I’m embarrassd by how stupid you are to post such a remark.
Incident ??? Sounds more like “INCOMPETENCE ” This is the force that will “Protect and Defend” us in battle ?? They caused a catastrophe that cost the lives of Canadian citizens and put multiple others at risk. I’m ashamed & embarrassed !!
May God be with those poor victims families.
That news “anchor” is simply dreadful. “Scarse”? Can’t pronounce words, and her affected “News Anchor” tone is fake and annoying. RIP to the fallen.
Oh and to Pierre Poutine give your head a shake. What do the PM and the MoD have to do with a units planning and execution of a live fire EX. You sound like an American wanna be traitor.
Why can’t any reporting say who was live firing. PPCLI, 1CER or Strats? Small arms fire would not penetrate a buried gas line, and I find it hard to believe that an armored live fire would have gas lines within its template and I’m sure the combat engineers would not be doing demolitions on top of gas lines.
Also explain this whole parachuting in CAF members? Are you talking about SAR techs? As a member of the CAR in the ’80’s they’re the only ones I know that would parachute into a spot with winds over 15 knots which we were having, or are we talking SAR techs repelling into hard to reach spots. Too many simple questions not being asked here of DND.
Annoying PP probably served in the Army Cadets as a kid, that is what he meant by he “served” . Typically those that serve in the CAF are not such blind partisans like him.
Total incompetence by Carney and McGuinty
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Anonying PP @12:12pm.
Most people who served in the Armed Forces don’t walk around with A BIG MOUTH telling everyone I served! Sure, sure you did…were you a pot walloper? Or a rear echolon muther focker anonymous pp ?
Hit a gas line? I have to get Manitoba Hydro out to my place to put in little flags before I can put in a fence post. These guys are firing live rounds into a gas main? Also, this isn’t the first time these exercises were held there. How come nobody hit the line before or even knew it was there?
Some real super ashole FKed in the head commenters on here, folks
I stand by my last statement, the human garbage on here knows who they are.
I did my service for my country, therefore I have nothing to prove to the bottom feeder commenters on here.
Again human garbage is what you are…
You’re welcome, that lesson was free.
Know be gone
Horrible
Cela est Horrible
@David Best 1120am. Thank you for your service.
MoD McGuinty should resign immediately.
Annoying PP didn’t serve. He is to much of a Trudeau/Carney/Lib bootlicker.
I doubt Annoying PP served. He would have more honor if he did. Seems like a loud mouthed, immature bully.
@Crusader 1005am. Respectfully, my father served in the military. You don’t sound anything like him or any military member I’ve had the privilege of meeting. To talk negatively about the military when discussing this story is beneath contempt, especially if you served-which I doubt.
MoD McGuintey should do the honourable thing and resign. Clearly he is not up to task.
CFB Wainwright is a very large army base that bring armoured units to Alberta from alll over Canada, as well as from the USA and Britain. During these live exercises that go on for days and nights ammo and fuel are stockpiled in the field supply depots. I’m leaning toward some accident sparked the fire then sadly the explosions afterward. I have participated in these exercises twice before when I was a young man. Sadly accidents happen.
Crusader @10:05 am.
So you served 10 years in the Armed Forces eh?. I doubt that very much. You sound like a POS who lies about themselves. Go hump a flag pole ya loser.
@Annoying PP 916am. Agreed. Thank you for your service.
Where did you get your information about fatalities? Usually the military will not confirm
Anything until NOK have been notified
Unless
You got it from Military press officer then you are just spreading rumors
@Annoying PP. what an absolute joke you are. Get off the sauce and sober up.
The contrast between the US forces and CAF is tragic. The US can bring down a country like Iran with hardly any casualties. The CAF can’t bring down a gas BBQ without many dead and wounded. I would laugh but I am too disgusted and ashamed that I served 10 years in this chicken outfit forces…
Annoying PP must be brain dead and the biggest hypocrite in the world. Tells people not to do something but he does it. Like Trudeau, do as I say, not as I do.
Dalton – let’s get some answers before you go off half cocked. There are plenty of reasons to criticize politicians in this country – let’s wait until we have the whole story and the families have mourned the lost.
Annoying PP – probably shouldn’t accuse others of being political on this thread while using an immature and childish name like that. You can change your name, you know. It’s not difficult.
FuckYouBurnaA
@Burna A, its the same name i always use, and have for years.
Now my question when and where did you serve as you like to Flap your gums like most keyboard warriors on here.
My thoughts and prayers are with the soldiers and their families.
I also would like to hear how an active gas line/well could possibly have been hit by live fire. Something doesn’t add up there.
@Annoying PP. Talk about hypocrisy as you post to this page with a partisan name as to bring politics into it.
As I veteran who served close to 30 years, and experienced many tragedies involving casualties. Let me be the first to say when you bring up politics at a time like this, you truly are a piece of human garbage.
If you don’t like my comments, put on the uniform before you shoot off your mouth.
I am sure Canada obsolete and decrepit equipment had something to do with the accident Shameful how the Libyjave let the CAG deteriorate to the state it is currently in.
@Ben. Already there is more questions then answers and the Govt isn’t being straightforward at this time. Like Skein asked, why would they be doing live training exercises close to a gas line or gas well. That needs to be answered by the Govt.
It is sub-human to bring up politics or make light of any alleged mistakes here. Being nice, kind/empathetic costs one nothing. Just express kind thoughts and move on.
Why would you hold a live fire exercise anywhere near gas lines/well. To most people that would seem like a bad idea, no?
I wonder how long it will take for the useful idiots to blame Trump
My thoughts are with everyone involved.
If you are caught in a natural gas explosion like the natural gas bus explosion in Calgary is a horrific way to pass away. The natural gas gets into your lungs and the flames actually enter your lungs rupturing them.
Carney and McGuinty will try to sweep this under the rug no doubt. Maybe they will blame Trump for the accident
Mmm live fire exercises…close to Gas line or Gas Well…how do you not know there are gas lines in the area of a live fire range…we will see
I’m wearing my brothers soiled underpants, please don’t tell him.
This comments section is actual cancer.
You’re spreading misinformation the department of defense has said they are investigating what caused it and they’re NOT saying it’s from.a training exercise they are saying they are still investigating what the cause was because they don’t even know yet
Prayers to those lost souls, their families, coworkers, and first responders 🙏🏻😢
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Imagine if they have to announce it wasn’t an accident
Nothing is a coincidence. Will this tragedy delay or distract from the referendum?
Seems like negligence by the CAF. How did they not know of a gas line or gas well.
#Wainwright explosion
Not impressed how Csrney doesn’t act on anything.
@F.U.
You seem to be the one who doesn’t care if we live or die. Maybe you and the Orange Man you emulate could be friends?
We really do give you the hurts, eh?
No reason to read comments anymore, as they are inundated with little minds yelling from their caves.
Young adult of BC
F@uck humanity for separatist.
Who gave one of the jeets a grenade?
Looking at the state of our military lately, I’m not surprised anything like this happened at all. It’s just DEI losers now.
My thoughts go out to those who lost family members in this and hopefully the fire can be dealt with before causing too much more damage. I am absolutely appalled at the fact that there are people on here using this post to comment about politics when they should be showing some basic human empathy for those who have been affected by this tragedy. Shame on all of you.
I love you separatist!
Guts? Gusts?
Incontinentia Bucket
Good and good luck on that. Trump awaits you, well your oil anyway. As for the people he couldn’t care if you all die.
P.S. if pp had won the election none of this would be happening, stomping feet and crying for separation.
Carey’s parting gift…
Just saying… Replacing explosive mines with triggers that set off swarm drones or any other so multiple targets can be attacked?
Imagine coin sized drone ripping through military personnel in to cover areas that are too large for a conventional grenade but too small to warrant arial assault?
Carney will do nothing as usual.
@F.U.
I don’t think anybody asked for help. We can take care of ourselves just fine in the fine soon to be country of Alberta. You are not needed.
Day late and a dollar short always for Carney.
Some real weirdos on here but I’ll take them all! I can also help by sending some of my people to pee on the fire.
Carney has no clue what is going on as he is to busy being Elbows Up.
Come n effin get me you purple haired tyrant mice.
Who chooses the cold hard slab that are not easily recognizable as the left?
It is time for change from the top down.
Incontinentia Buckets
Nope, You want to separate then don’t expect help from anyone besides your bum chums.
Here’s the choice:
You lay your neck along the cold hard slab still damp from the blood of its last occupant and await inevitability.
Or;
You fight hopelessly against the meat grinder that has eaten millions of men alive to the shrug of shoulders well maintained in soft fabric and other soft things.
Or;
Without warning, foreseeing what is to come, end the lives of innocent people to turn everyone, instead of just you, against the meat grinder that is the mistake the callous refuse to take ownership of.
What do you choose?
@F. U.
Awe, are you salty? Did we hurt your itty bitty feelings?
My thoughts are with all the brave men and women affected. Man, that sounds empty typing it.
Carney is such a twat. But even though I dislike him so, I find quite ridiculous to say this is his fault. Get real. We can’t blame for everything!
Burn baby Burn. Separatist deserve no help.
Carney need to be held accountable for his negligence.
Another fail by Carney.