King Charles issued the following statement on Sunday evening after four soldiers were confirmed dead in a fire at a Canadian Force Base in Wainwright, Alberta:
My wife and I were greatly shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright.
Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and with all those who have been injured or otherwise affected at this most difficult time. We extend our particular admiration and gratitude to the military and civilian emergency services, healthcare workers and all those who have responded with such courage and dedication in the most challenging circumstances.
Above all, we send our special thoughts and prayers to the people of Alberta, and to the Canadian Armed Forces and their families.
Four military service members were confirmed dead during a fatal fire at CFB Wainwright on Sunday. There were identified as:
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith confirms the deaths of four military members who were killed during a fire at CFB Wainwright. She said 39 service members were injured and being treated in hospital, including at least 19 people in critical condition.
Commander of the 1st Canadian Division, Major-General L. W. Rutland, left, and National Defence Minister David McGuinty, centre, listen as Alberta Premiere Danielle Smith speaks at a press conference following a fatal incident at CFB Wainright in Alberta, in Edmonton, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/James Maclennan
Speaking from Ottawa, the prime minister called the deadly fire “one of the worst tragedies for the forces on Canadian soil in peacetime.”
“These Canadians and the 19 critical and 20 others hospitalized were training for an upcoming 2027 deployment to Latvia in Europe,” Carney said. “They were in service to our nation, in service to NATO and in service to protect us all and our way of life on this side of the Atlantic Ocean.”
“We owe them our gratitude for their service to our Freedom,” he added.
Prime Minister Mark Carney delivers a statement on Parliament Hill following a deadly fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, in Ottawa on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Patrick Doyle
Local officials confirmed the deaths of at lease four service members early Sunday morning and said dozens more were injured.
Fire crews work the burn area on CFB Wainwright south of the town Wainwright Alta., on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. Four people have been killed and numerous others injured.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Ulan
Cathy Keane, a mayoral candidate in Oro Medonte, says her son was critically injured in the tragedy at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta.
In a post shared on Facebook, Keane wrote that her family received that her eldest son was among the military personelle injured in the CFB Wainwright tragedy.
As a mother, right now I need to be with my son and family. I will be travelling to Alberta and unable to continue door-knocking for the remainder of the mayoral campaign. Please share the pinned post with my information with your neighbours, friends and your community.I want residents to know that I am still in the race for Mayor of Oro-Medonte, and I stand by my commitment to our friends, families and neighbours more than ever. My belief in this community and the future we can build together has not changed.For those who have not yet had the opportunity to speak with me or learn more about my platform, I am pinning copies of my campaign rack card and informational sheets to the top of my Facebook Page. I hope these materials will help residents understand my priorities and the commitments I have made to our township as online voting continues.Right now, I ask for your understanding as our family navigates an incredibly difficult and uncertain time. We are grateful for the kindness and support of our friends and community.Please hold your loved ones a little tighter tonight.
Canadian Armed Forces say emergency responders continue their work and the situation continues to evolve, the full extent of the impact remains under assessment.
Natation Defence Minister David McGuinty addresses the tragedy at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta, confirming at least two fatalities and multiple injuries.
Pray for Wainwright, everyone.
There has been a serious incident that caused a fire at CFB Wainwright. Thank you to the brave firefighters and emergency responders working to save lives.
I have spoken to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence to offer our support to everyone on the base and in the community.
To everyone in the area, please stay safe, follow local emergency instructions, and keep roads clear for first responders.
— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) October 18, 2026
Prime Minister Mark Carney shares social media post about “serious incident” that triggered a large-scale fire at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta.
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.
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) October 18, 2026
Municipality of Wainwright says emergency responders are actively assessing the situation and working to protect people, property, and critical infrastructure.
Paramedics load an injured person into an ambulance at the Wainwright Health Centre as injured military members are treated after a fire at CFB Wainwright, outside of Wainwright, Alta., on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Ulan
Fire ignites within the training area of Canadian Forces Base in Wainwright, Alberta.
