Deaths, injuries as fire hits Alberta military base: McGuinty

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

David McGuinty, speaking to reporters late Saturday in Ottawa, said he had no other details to share, including the number of casualties or what happened.

“We will have more to say in the coming hours and days,” McGuinty said.

“At this time, our thoughts are with the families and with everyone impacted by this tragic event.”

He said Armed Forces members are at the scene and that RCMP are also involved.

“This is an active and delicate situation and soon to be an active and delicate investigation.”

As McGuinty delivered the news, fire crews in Alberta were battling a blaze raging between the base and the nearby town of Wainwright.

Asked if the town was threatened by the fire, McGuinty said he understands people there are actually helping the base with the injured and the fire.

Firefighters are facing a volatile situation. Large areas of the province were hit during the day by a windstorm with gusts up to 100 kilometres an hour. The wind toppled some trees, sent signs flying and garbage cans rolling down streets.

CFB Wainwright is a massive military training base located 200 kilometres from Edmonton. It’s one Canada’s busiest and is used mainly to train soldiers and prepare units for combat operations.

It’s also the site of the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, which prepares military units to operate together in realistic battlefield conditions, as well as the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, which provides basic infantry training.

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

The Canadian Press