Canadian Military Chief of Staff General Jennie Carignan said in a media statement on Oct. 18 that the CAF will not confirm deaths or casualty numbers at the tragic CFB Wainwright fire until next of kin and families have been notified. This file photo shows her addressing troops at a CFB Shilo visit in September 2025. (Photo: K-J Millar, Shilo StagNews)
K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media
The Canadian Armed Forces has issued some preliminary details about yesterday’s fatal fire at CFB Wainwright in an Oct. 18 media statement.
While some media outlets are reporting a specific number of deaths and injuries, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) stated in an early-morning press release that it will not be confirming any numbers at this time.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Jennie Carignan, said the casualty identification and notification processes are ongoing.
“We will not confirm casualty or injury details until that process is complete,” the media statement reads.
“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 …” General Carignan said.
The Canadian Military confirmed in the press release some details of what happened.
“A fire ignited within the training area of Canadian Armed Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright, Alberta, at approximately 4:00 p.m. (local time) on Oct. 17, 2026. The fire spread rapidly beyond the boundaries of the training area, while military and civilian emergency services responded quickly to control that fire and to support those affected by this tragic event …
It is with profound sadness that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) confirms the incident resulted in fatalities and injuries. As emergency responders continue their work and the situation continues to evolve, the full extent of the impact remains under assessment.”
Commander of the Canadian Army Lieutenant-General Michael Wright said he “is deeply saddened” by the loss of life and injuries resulting from the incident.
“Our soldiers, civilian personnel, and emergency responders are working closely with local authorities to respond to this situation … I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy. The Canadian Army remains committed to supporting those affected and will continue to provide assistance wherever it is needed.”
Detachment Wainwright is one of the busiest Army bases in Canada. It is home to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, and it is the preferred training ground for the Army’s field force units based in Edmonton.
The base is located 210 kilometres east of Edmonton and 110 kilometres southwest of Lloydminster. The Town of Wainwright sits immediately to the north of the base. Members of the base reside in several of the surrounding communities, but there is also a distinct residential community for the families of the serving military members located on the base proper.
David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, said his thoughts are with the families and everyone impacted by this tragic event.
“The Canadian Armed Forces, the Department of National Defence, partners across the federal government, including Public Safety, are working with the Government of Alberta and municipal governments to mobilize all necessary support … I would also like to thank the first responders and personnel who continue to work tirelessly in challenging circumstances.
The CAF is working closely with emergency services, local authorities, and other partners to support response efforts. The safety and security of CAF personnel, their families, and members of the surrounding community remain the highest priority. The Canadian Armed Forces will provide additional information as it becomes available.
More to come
