Canadian authorities have confirmed that a fire at the military base in Wainwright last Saturday has resulted in four deaths and dozens of severe injuries.
International news agencies reported that a major fire at the Wainwright military training area in Alberta, Canada, has caused at least four fatalities and dozens of severe injuries. Prime Minister Mark Carney described the incident as one of the worst peacetime tragedies in the history of the Canadian military.
The Canadian government revealed on Sunday, 18 Oct 2026 GMT+7, that those affected by the fire were soldiers from various bases across the country who had come to participate in training exercises.
Carney stated that numerous helicopters from Edmonton and Saskatoon—approximately 300 kilometers from Wainwright—were dispatched to transport the injured to hospitals in Edmonton, Wainwright, Calgary, and Red Deer for treatment.
Hospitals in Edmonton declared an “orange code” emergency, indicating a mass casualty event, to coordinate medical treatment for the large number of incoming patients.
The fire began around 4:00 p.m. local time on Saturday within the training area of the base amid strong winds reaching speeds of up to 96 kilometers per hour. Both military and civilian firefighters battled the blaze throughout the night.
The fire spread beyond the base's fence into nearby areas, but authorities did not issue evacuation orders for the town of Wainwright, which has a population of about 6,600. Officials expect the fire will not expand beyond its current boundaries.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed national condolences and ordered flags at half-mast on all federal government buildings. Meanwhile, the Minister of National Defence traveled to the site to receive briefings and closely oversee the ongoing rescue efforts.
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Source:cna