Canada military base fire live: Multiple deaths and injuries after explosion sparks disaster in Alberta
Por Holly Evans — – World RSS Feed
Canada military base fire live: Multiple deaths and injuries after explosion sparks disaster in Alberta
Defence minister David McGuinty describes the situation as ‘very, very active and delicate’
Holly Evans Sunday 18 October 2026 08:52 BST
- Bookmark
- Comments Go to comments
Bookmark popover
Removed from bookmarks
Close popover
Become an Independent member to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.
Already a member?
Log in
Your support helps us to tell the story
Read more Support Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference. Read more
Several people have been killed or injured at a military base in Canada after a major fire broke out, the nation’s defence minister said.
Emergency services were called shortly after 4pm on Saturday after the blaze erupted at the Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, which is one of the country’s busiest training grounds.
Defence Minister David McGuinty said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were involved in investigating the incident and described the situation as “very, very active and delicate.”
Local media has reported seven deaths and dozens more injured. A doctor at a hospital in the city of Edmonton, 180 km (120 miles) northwest, told Canada’s national broadcaster that patients were being brought to hospitals across the city as health-care facilities around the base became “completely overwhelmed” by the number of people needing care.
“It is more patients than any of us want to count right now. It’s a disaster. It’s a one in every 15 to 25-year disaster,” Dr Warren Thirsk said.
Prime minister Mark Carney said that a “serious incident creating a major fire” had occurred, adding that his “thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected”.
Key Points
- Multiple people killed and injured in major blaze at Alberta military base
- Incident is a ‘one in every 15 to 25-year disaster’, doctor says
- ‘Fatalities and injuries’ confirmed by Canadian Armed Forces
- PM says ‘thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected’
What is CFB Wainwright?
CFB Wainwright is one of Canada’s busiest military training bases, where soldiers prepare for combat operations.
It is home to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, which conducts realistic battlefield exercises, and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, which provides military training.
The fire also disrupted advance voting ahead of Monday’s referendum on whether Alberta should begin a process that could lead to independence from Canada.
Elections Alberta said two polling locations, in Lloydminster and Vermilion, closed early Saturday and the ballots were transported securely.
Holly Evans 18 October 2026 08:51
Firefighters faced volatile situation with windstorms
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said officers were called shortly after 4pm (10pm GMT) Saturday following reports of a fire in a training area at the base.
Firefighters faced a volatile situation with large areas of the province 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.
By 11 pm (5am GMT), the Municipal District of Wainwright said on social media the fire was being held and that property and critical infrastructure were protected.
There was no evacuation order for residents.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said his province was sending assistance to Alberta but did not specify what resources were being deployed.
Holly Evans 18 October 2026 08:41
PM Mark Carney says ‘thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected’
Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney has said a “serious incident” has occurred at the Wainwright military base, and that he is working closely with the government of Alberta.
In a post on social media, he said: “A serious incident creating a major fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta.
“Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected.
“We are working closely with the Government of Alberta and local authorities. Premier Smith and I are in close contact as are our relevant ministers and officials.”
Holly Evans 18 October 2026 08:32
‘Fatalities and injuries’ confirmed by Canadian Armed Forces
The Canadian Armed Forces have confirmed that the incident has resulted in “fatalities and injuries” but said there would be no further information until they had informed the next of kin of the deceased.
“Our immediate priority is supporting those affected and notifying next of kin. We will not confirm casualty or injury details until that process is complete,” the CAF said in its statement.
General Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff, said: “This is a profoundly difficult moment for the entire Canadian Armed Forces.
“Our immediate focus remains on supporting those affected, assisting emergency response efforts, and ensuring the well-being of our members, their families, and the surrounding community,” said Carignan.
“While casualty identification and notification processes are ongoing, I extend my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives. Our thoughts are also with all those impacted by this tragic incident.”
Holly Evans 18 October 2026 08:28
Incident is a ‘one in every 15 to 25-year disaster’, doctor says
While it is not immediately clear how many people have been killed or injured, a doctor at a hospital in the city of Edmonton, 180 km (120 miles) northwest, told Canada’s national broadcaster that patients were being brought to hospitals across the city as health-care facilities around the base became “completely overwhelmed” by the number of people needing care.
“This number of patients would overwhelm the city of Edmonton,” Dr. Warren Thirsk, an emergency department physician at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, told CBC News.
“It is more patients than any of us want to count right now. It’s a disaster. It’s a one in every 15 to 25-year disaster.”
Holly Evans 18 October 2026 08:25
Multiple people killed and injured in major blaze at Alberta military base
Several people have been killed and injured in a major incident at a military base in Alberta after a major fire broke out, while reports said that large numbers of injured people were being transported to hospitals.
Fire crews scrambled late into the night as fierce winds whipped flames beyond Canadian Forces Base Wainwright and into the surrounding rural area.
Emergency services were called at around 4pm on Saturday (10pm GMT) with the fire spreading rapidly and local hospitals overwhelmed.
Canadian TV network Global News reports that at least seven people have been killed, citing unnamed military sources.
Holly Evans 18 October 2026 08:23
More about
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Most popular
Popular videos
Bulletin
Read next
Fonte: – World RSS Feed
