Canadian Armed Forces have identified four soldiers killed in the deadly fire at CFB Wainwright, and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says 39 people are in hospital with at least 19 in critical condition.
The Story
A fire at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright in Alberta has killed four people, according to a later identification by the Canadian Armed Forces, as emergency crews continued their response and the impact was assessed.
In a statement earlier on Sunday, Premier Danielle Smith confirmed four people dead, 39 in hospital and at least 19 in critical condition.
The Canadian Armed Forces later identified the four soldiers killed: Private Aidan Goulding of the Third Battalion from North Vancouver, B.C.; Pvt Shaun Farrell of the Third Battalion from Prince Albert, Sask.; Pvt Hayden Lykkemark of the Third Battalion from Langley, B.C.; and Sgt Morgan Wong of the Royal Edmonton Regiment from Edmonton, Alta.
The timeline of the incident began Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at about 1:00 p.m., when the fire was reported to have ignited within the training area of the base.
By 4:00 p.m. Saturday, the Municipality of Wainwright said emergency responders were actively assessing the situation and working to protect people, property and critical infrastructure.
Around 5:05 p.m. Saturday, Prime Minister Mark Carney posted that a serious incident creating a major fire had occurred at CFB Wainwright, adding that he was in close contact with the Government of Alberta and local authorities.
Later Saturday, at 5:25 p.m., Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and provincial leaders began reacting to the tragedy.
On Sunday, at 7:35 a.m., the Canadian Armed Forces said emergency responders continued their work and that the situation was still evolving as the full extent of the impact remained under assessment.
At 8:00 a.m. Sunday, a mayoral candidate in Oro Medonte said her son was critically injured in the tragedy at CFB Wainwright.
By 8:30 a.m. Sunday, officials confirmed at least seven fatalities.
At 9:00 a.m. Sunday, Carney said in a statement that the tragedy was "one of the worst tragedies for the forces on Canadian soil in peacetime."
At about 4:00 p.m. Sunday, Defence Minister David McGuinty addressed the tragedy, confirming at least two fatalities and multiple injuries.
Hours later, at about 2:00 p.m. Sunday, provincial leaders and the Canadian Armed Forces addressed the tragedy, with Smith delivering the latest confirmed numbers.
At about 2:30 p.m. Sunday, the Canadian Armed Forces identified the four soldiers killed.
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