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By Anna Skinner, Jennifer Radcliffe, Jordan King, and Hollie Silverman
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Four people have been killed after a "violent, fast-moving fire swept through Canadian Armed Force base in Wainwright, Alberta," Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said during a press conference on Sunday.
"What followed was one of the worst tragedies for the forces on Canadian soil in peacetime," he said. "I regret that I can confirm at this time that Forest Service members have lost their lives and their next of kin notified."
Carney said that "dozens more" were seriously injured when they were training on the Alberta Prairie "when disaster struck."
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"Those affected came from bases right across this country, the prime minister said, adding that "they included reservists and soldiers from the storied Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry."
"Throughout Canada's history, the Princess Pats have fought for freedom, democracy, human dignity in the First World War, in the Second, in Korea, in Afghanistan, and during numerous peacekeeping missions over decades," Carney continued.
The identities of those killed were not immediately revealed.
"The Canadian flag will fly at half-mast on federal buildings across Canada," Carney said earlier in a post on X. "All Canadians stand with the service members at CFB Wainwright, their families, and their community."
Laura McIntyre-Grills, media relations specialist for the country's government, told Newsweek in an email Sunday that "there are no indications that it was the result of any terrorist activity."
"As emergency responders continue their work and the situation continues to evolve, the full extent of the impact remains under assessment. Our immediate priority is supporting those affected and notifying next of kin," she said.
Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty said in a press conference on Saturday night the fire was the result of a base incident but did not expand on what the incident was. Numerous federal partners are working with Alberta to learn the details of what happened, McGuinty said.
“I’m saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base,” McGuinty said.
The exact cause of the fire was not immediately known, although the blaze comes a little over a week after Alberta officials issued a high wildfire danger alert on October 5, warning that dry fuel and little rain had amplified the threat. High winds were present in the region on Saturday, contributing to the fire's spread.
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"We are learning of a significant and tragic fire at CFB Wainwright today that is affecting many of our brave military personnel," Smith posted on X. "Alberta’s government is in close contact with the Government of Canada and Prime Minister Mark Carney as this situation evolves. Thank you to the first responders and all those providing care and support to those affected."
"A serious incident creating a major fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta," Carney wrote on X. "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."
Newsweek reached out to Carney through an online contact form for comment on Saturday night.
What Is CFB Wainwright?
CFB Wainwright is a major Canadian Army training base in Alberta in western Canada. The Canadian government describes it as one of the busiest Army bases in the country and a key training ground for Canadian soldiers and military units.
More than 1,000 military personnel are based there. In October 2025, the Town of Wainwright reported that 1,067 military members and 243 civilian employees worked at the base, for a total workforce of 1,310.
Are Any American Troops at CFB Wainwright?
It was not immediately clear whether any U.S. military personnel were at CFB Wainwright when Saturday's fire broke out, although American troops are not typically stationed there.
Newsweek reached out to the White House by email for comment on Saturday night.
U.S. forces have traveled to the Canadian base for joint military exercises in the past. In 2023, for example, about 200 U.S. soldiers took part in Exercise Maple Resolve, one of the Canadian Army's largest training exercises.
Fire Comes Amid Strained U.S.-Canada Relations
The emergency comes at an unusually tense moment between the United States and Canada, two longtime allies whose militaries have previously trained together at CFB Wainwright.
Relations have deteriorated during President Donald Trump’s second term amid a bitter trade dispute and repeated comments from the president about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state.
What Happens Next
McGuinty said further updates could be expected in the days and weeks to come after the incident.
Newsweek’s reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Contact Newsweek editors for this story: Anna Skinner, Anthony Murray, Trevor Davies, and Ben Kelly.
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