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A Canadian soldier takes part in an announcement in Petawawa, Ont., on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
By The Canadian Press

Deaths and injuries after explosion at Alberta military base: McGuinty

Oct 17, 2026 | 6:02 PM

WAINWRIGHT — Canada’s defence minister is confirming deaths and injuries after an explosion and a fire at CFB Wainwright southeast of Edmonton.

David McGuinty, speaking to reporters in Ottawa, says he has no other details to share, including the number of casualties or what happened.

The massive military training base is located 200 kilometres from Edmonton.

Fire crews are battling a blaze raging between the base and the nearby town of Wainwright.

McGuinty says he understands the town is not being threatened and is helping the base with the injured and the fire.

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Crews are facing a volatile situation, as large areas of the province have been hit by a windstorm featuring gusts up to 100 kilometres an hour.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 17, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

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