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

PM Carney says 4 dead, dozens injured in violent fire at Alberta military base

Oct 18, 2026 | 9:35 AM

WAINWRIGHT — Prime Minister Mark Carney says four military members were killed and dozens more were seriously injured after a violent, fast-moving fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta.

He called it one of the “worst tragedies for the (Armed Forces) on Canadian soil in peacetime.”

“The nation is in mourning for those brave members of our Armed Forces we have lost,” Carney said.

Carney said family members of those who died have been notified and that those affected came from military bases across the country.

The fire erupted Saturday afternoon at the massive base about 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.

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Carney said flags on all federal buildings will be lowered to half-mast to pay tribute to the brave members who died.

He also said a public briefing would be given later Sunday with officials on the ground in Alberta, including Defence Minister David McGuinty, Eleanor Olszewski, the minister of emergency preparedness, and Maj.-Gen. Wade Rutland, commander of the 1st Canadian Division.

They are to be joined by provincial ministers and senior officials.

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

Fakiha Baig, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

PM Carney says 4 dead, dozens injured in violent fire at Alberta military base

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