Paramedics work at the Wainwright Health Center as injured military personnel are treated after a fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, outside Wainwright, Alberta, Saturday, October 17, 2026.
John Ulan/The Canadian Press/AP
hide caption
John Ulan/The Canadian Press/AP
EDMONTON, Alberta — Canada’s defense minister said Saturday that people were killed and injured in an incident at a military base in Alberta that caused a major fire, while reports said many of the injured were being transported to hospitals.
Fire crews rushed late into the night as strong winds fanned flames beyond Canadian Forces Base Wainwright and into the surrounding rural area.
It is unclear how many people were killed or injured, but a doctor at a hospital in the city of Edmonton, 180 km (120 miles) to the northwest, told Canada’s national broadcaster that patients were being rushed to the city’s hospitals as health care facilities around the base were “completely overwhelmed” by the number of people needing care.
“This number of patients would overwhelm the city of Edmonton,” Dr. Warren Thirsk, an emergency physician at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, told CBC News. “There are more patients than we want to count right now. It’s a disaster. It’s a 15 to 25 year disaster.”
The town of Wainwright, located near the base, has a population of approximately 7,000.
Defense Minister David McGuinty said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were involved in the investigation into the incident and called the situation “very, very active and sensitive.” He said authorities were still working to determine what happened and planned to provide more information.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said officers were called shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday following reports of a fire in a training area on the base.
Emergency crews and military personnel are seen at the Wainwright Health Center as injured service members are treated after a fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, outside of Wainwright, Alberta, Saturday, October 17, 2026.
John Ulan/John Ulan/The Canadian Press/AP
hide caption
John Ulan/John Ulan/The Canadian Press/AP
The firefighters were faced with an unstable situation. Large areas of the province were hit during the day by a windstorm with gusts of up to 100 kilometers per hour. The wind toppled some trees and caused signs to fly and trash cans to roll through the streets.
Around 11 p.m., the Municipal District of Wainwright said on social media that the fire was under control and properties and critical infrastructure were protected. No evacuation orders have been issued for residents.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said his province was sending aid to Alberta, but did not say what resources were being deployed.
“Our hearts go out to all the brave women and men affected,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said earlier in a social media post.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the fire “significant and tragic” and said it was affecting many military personnel.
CFB Wainwright is one of the busiest military training bases in Canada, where soldiers prepare for combat operations. It is home to the Canadian Maneuver Training Centre, which conducts realistic battlefield exercises, as well as the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, which provides military training.
Canadian Conservative Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre said he had spoken with Carney and the defense minister to offer support to those affected by the fire.
“Pray for Wainwright, everyone,” Poilievre said in a social media post. He urged area residents to follow emergency instructions and keep roads clear for first responders.
The fire also disrupted advance voting ahead of Monday’s referendum on whether Alberta should begin a process that could lead to Canadian independence. Elections Alberta said two polling stations, in Lloydminster and Vermilion, closed early Saturday and ballots were transported safely.
Gn headline
