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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

The latest developments on the deadly fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta

Oct 18, 2026 | 9:20 AM

WAINWRIGHT — Defence Minister David McGuinty said there have been deaths and injuries after a fire erupted Saturday afternoon at CFB Wainwright, a massive military training base about 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.

Here are the latest developments (all times Mountain):

9:45 a.m.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says in a social media post that Canadian flags will be flown at half-mast at federal buildings across the country.

He says Canada stands with the service members at CFB Wainwright and their families.

Carney is expected to make a statement later today.

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9:30 a.m.

The Armed Forces say there’s no indication the fire that erupted at an Alberta military base, resulting in deaths and injuries, was the result of terrorist activity.

A spokesperson also says in an email that the incident at CFB Wainwright remains under investigation and that more information will be provided as it becomes available.

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9 a.m.

Defence Minister David McGuinty says in a social media post that he’s on his way to Edmonton.

He says he’s being briefed on the latest developments in the “terrible incident” at CFB Wainwright.

He says: “To the families and everyone in Wainwright: Canada stands with you.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to make a statement later today.


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

The Canadian Press