Prince Albert to lower flags, open condolence book for soldier killed at CFB Wainwright

“Friends, neighbours, and members of our community are struggling to come to terms with this devastating loss. The grief and sorrow is shared,” he said.

“No words can ease the pain of losing someone you love, but we hope they find some comfort in knowing they are not alone.”

Flags at city hall are flying half-mast in honour of Pte. Farrell. (Image Credit: Susan McNeil/paNOW)

Powalinsky encouraged residents to respect the privacy and dignity of the families and offer kindness wherever possible.

Tributes have been pouring in for Farrell and others who were injured or lost their lives. The Prince Albert Raiders posted about standing with the community and the Canadian Armed Forces, and, on the other side of the world, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his country’s heartfelt condolences.

Кожна втрата життя – це трагедія. Канада зробила так багато, щоб допомогти нам захищати життя в Україні, і ми висловлюємо співчуття Прем’єр-міністру Марку Карні та всім канадцям у зв’язку з вибухом і пожежею на військовій базі у Вейнрайті. Наші думки – з родинами та близькими загиблих, і ми бажаємо швидкого одужання пораненим.

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 19, 2026

Farrell was killed alongside Sgt. Morgan Wong of Edmonton, Pte. Aidan Goulding of North Vancouver and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark of Langley, B.C.

Defence officials said 84 members of the 3rd Battalion of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry were training when strong, sudden winds swept a nearby grass fire across the training grounds.

Thirty-nine soldiers were taken to hospital. As of Sunday afternoon, at least 19 remained in critical condition. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said many had serious burns.

Maj.-Gen. Wade Rutland, commander of the 1st Canadian Division, said military leaders knew about a grass fire roughly a kilometre away, but it had not been considered a threat.

“I spoke to my commander on the ground. He said within 30 seconds to a minute they saw no fire, and then there was a fire right on top of them,” Rutland told reporters Sunday.

A full investigation will examine the conditions and other factors that contributed to the tragedy.

On Monday, the House of Commons held a moment of silence for the dead and wounded. Prime Minister Mark Carney said MPs were “united in grief.”

“To their friends and families, to their colleagues, to the people of Wainwright, please know that you have the entire nation at your side,” he said.

Emergency crews and military personnel 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. (Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Ulan)

Canadian Blood Services, meanwhile, encouraged people looking to help to book and keep donation appointments over the coming days and weeks.

The organization said it had been deeply moved by the public response and was monitoring the needs of patients and hospitals in Alberta.

“Maintaining a healthy blood supply is an ongoing effort and donations made in the coming weeks will be just as important as those made today,” it said.

With files from The Canadian Press

—

panews@pattisonmedia.com

by paNOW Staff

Prince Albert to lower flags, open condolence book for soldier killed at CFB Wainwright

What's Trending