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. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Ulan

By The Canadian Press

The latest developments on the deadly fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta

Oct 18, 2026 | 8:20 AM

WAINWRIGHT — Defence Minister David McGuinty said there have been deaths and injuries after a fire erupted Saturday afternoon at CFB Wainwright, a massive military training base about 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.

Here are the latest developments (all times Mountain):

10:35 a.m.

The prime minister says he has asked the military to give the public a detailed account of what is known about the fire so far.

Mark Carney says that will be later today in Alberta, with Defence Minister David McGuinty, Eleanor Olszewski, the minister of emergency preparedness, and Maj.-Gen. Wade Rutland, commander of the 1st Canadian Division.

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He says they will be joined by provincial ministers and senior officials.

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10: 30 a.m.

Prime Minister Mark Carney confirms four military members were killed and dozens more were injured in the fire.

Carney called the fire “violent” and fast-moving.

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10:15 a.m.

The NATO Military Committee is sending its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims at CFB Wainwright.

It says in a statement that Wainwright is where so many Canadian soldiers and allies have trained for the hardest tasks of the profession.

It says those killed served “our common security” and that the committee will honour their memory.

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10 a.m.

The United States Ambassador to Canada says his “heart is heavy” for the Canadian Armed Forces community.

Pete Hoekstra says on social media that he’s praying for the families of those who died and for the full recovery of the service members injured.

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9:45 a.m.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says in a social media post that Canadian flags will be flown at half-mast at federal buildings across the country.

He says Canada stands with the service members at CFB Wainwright and their families.

Carney is expected to make a statement later today.

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9:30 a.m.

The Armed Forces say there’s no indication the fire that erupted at an Alberta military base, resulting in deaths and injuries, was the result of terrorist activity.

A spokesperson also says in an email that the incident at CFB Wainwright remains under investigation and that more information will be provided as it becomes available.

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9 a.m.

Defence Minister David McGuinty says in a social media post that he’s on his way to Edmonton.

He says he’s being briefed on the latest developments in the “terrible incident” at CFB Wainwright.

He says: “To the families and everyone in Wainwright: Canada stands with you.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to make a statement later today.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press