Officials have confirmed that four Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members lost their lives in the major fire at the military base near Wainwright, Alta., on Oct. 17, and 39 were injured, 19 of whom are in critical condition.

Prime Minister Mark Carney first announced the deaths of the four CAF members earlier on Oct. 18, and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, whose province’s hospitals are providing care for the injured, confirmed the number of injured at another press conference later in the day.

“I regret that I can confirm at this time that four service members have lost their lives, and their next of kin has been notified. Dozens more are seriously wounded,” Carney said on Oct. 18.

The four soldiers who lost their lives were identified as Sgt. Morgan Wong from Edmonton; Pvt. Shaun Farrell from Prince Alberta, Sask.; Pvt. Aida Goulding, from North Vancouver, B.C.; and Pvt. Hayden Lykkemark from Langley, B.C.

The CAF said on Oct. 18 that the incident began as a grass fire that was considered far enough away not to pose an immediate danger, but strong winds suddenly swept it toward military members training at the base.

“Uncommonly strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly and shift direction towards the range administrative area. The fire did originate within the training area, and did cross established fire guards before being contained, in conjunction with municipal authorities,” Maj.-Gen Wade Rutland told reporters on Oct. 18.

He said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

At the time of the tragedy, units were involved in both section-attack training, which involves 10 soldiers attacking a simulated enemy, as well as training for deployment to Latvia as part of the ongoing NATO mission there, which involved throwing hand grenades at a hand-grenade range.

He said the fire only affected the administrative area of the section-attack range, and didn’t affect the grenade range.

Emergency crews and military personnel are seen at the Wainwright Health Centre as injured military members are treated after a fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright outside of Wainwright, Alberta, on Oct. 17, 2026. (John Ulan/The Canadian Press via AP)

‘The Nation Is in Mourning’

“The nation is in mourning for those brave members of our Armed Forces whom we have lost,” Carney said. He added that Canadian flags will fly at half mast on federal buildings across the country to mark the tragedy.

“Our hearts go with, and we are praying for, the wounded. And we stand in solidarity and compassion for the families, the friends, and the colleagues of all those affected by this tragedy. Canadians come together in crisis,” Carney said.

The fire was ignited around 4 p.m. on Oct. 17. CFB Wainwright is a major military base used for training, located 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.

“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,” the CAF said.

The CAF say there’s no indication that terrorist activity was involved in the deadly fire.

“While the incident remains under investigation, at this time, there are no indications that it was the result of any terrorist activity,” CAF said in an email to The Epoch Times.

A sign honouring military members stands near the entrance to CFB Wainwright near Wainwright, Alta., on Oct. 18, 2026. (Paul Rowan Brian/The Epoch Times)

Premier Smith said Acute Care Alberta has now lifted its Code Orange, which is activated when multiple patients require urgent medical care, adding that hospitals are now transitioning back to regular operations.

“All patients have been accounted for, and no further patients are awaiting transport. But for those patients and their families, this is far from over,” she said, adding that the province’s resources have been deployed to ensure all those injured receive the treatment they need.

Smith also offered her condolences to those affected by the tragedy.

“The loss of life and injuries are heartbreaking. On behalf of the government of Alberta, I extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, and wish for those who have been injured to have a full recovery,” she said on Oct. 18.

“Our thoughts also go to the military personnel, families, and colleagues facing uncertainty and grief during this incredibly difficult time.”

Smith said that flags at provincial government buildings across Alberta will be lowered to half mast “as a mark of respect for those who have lost their lives and in solidarity with the military community and their families.”

Paramedics load an injured person into an ambulance at the Wainwright Health Centre as injured military members are treated after a fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, outside of Wainwright, Alberta, on Oct. 17, 2026. (John Ulan/The Canadian Press via AP)

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also offered his condolences.

“I have contacted the Prime Minister and the Minister of National Defence to express our support for all the people on the base and in the community,” he said.

The town of Wainwright, which has been responding to the incident by providing medical care and firefighting crews, said this is a “frightening and difficult time for many families, neighbours, and first responders.”

“On behalf of Wainwright & District Family and Community Support Services, our hearts are with everyone affected by the large-scale fire and resulting injuries and casualties in our community,” the town said on social media.

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said he and his wife are praying for the families of the CAF members who lost their lives and for the full recovery of the injured.

“My heart is heavy for the Canadian Armed Forces community,” he said on Oct. 18.

The chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, also sent in his condolences on behalf of the military alliance.