Deaths, injuries as fire hits Alberta military base: McGuinty

WAINWRIGHT — Defence Minister David McGuinty says there have been deaths and injuries after a fire broke out Saturday at a military base in Alberta.

Fire crews were scrambling late into the night as fierce winds whipped flames beyond CFB Wainwright and into the surrounding rural area.

McGuinty, speaking to reporters in Ottawa, confirmed the casualties but had no other details to share, including numbers or what happened.

“I cannot recall such an incident in my short time for sure as a minister, but I cannot recall an incident like this in recent memory,” McGuinty said.

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

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

He said Armed Forces members were at the scene and that RCMP were also involved. “This is an active and delicate situation and soon to be an active and delicate investigation.”

RCMP said in a statement that officers were called just after 4 p.m.

“Early reports were that there was a fire at a training area,” police said.

Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan said the Armed Forces was dealing with a “serious incident” but also didn’t provide details.

“Our priority remains the welfare of our members, their families and their community, and my thoughts are with all those affected by this incident.”

Alberta Conservative MP Dane Lloyd posted on social media there had been an explosion and a fire that “resulted in significant casualties.”

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

As McGuinty delivered the news, fire crews were battling flames raging between the base and the nearby town of Wainwright.

Asked if the town of about 7,000 people was threatened by the fire, McGuinty said he understands people there were helping the base with the injured and the fire.

Firefighters were 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 and sent signs flying and garbage cans rolling down streets.

The Municipal District of Wainwright, in a social media post, said high winds whipped flames beyond the base fence and into the surrounding area.

“Emergency responders are actively assessing the situation and working to protect people, property and critical infrastructure,” it said.

The district had not issued any evacuation orders for residents.

The fire also disrupted advance voting for Monday’s provincial referendum on whether Alberta should begin the process of separating from Canada. Elections Alberta said two advance polling locations – in Lloydminster and Vermilion – were closed early and the ballots transported securely.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a social media post that he was in close contact with Premier Danielle Smith

“Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected,” he said.

In Saskatchewan, Premier Scott Moe said his province is sending help.

STARS air ambulance reported sending two helicopters, from Edmonton and Saskatoon.

B.C. Premier David Eby said his government has also reached out to offer help.

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