Canadian Armed Forces Provides Update on Incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright

Pete Fisher
2 days ago
• Categories: National

Following the tragic fire incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright on October 17, 2026, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) remains focused on supporting injured members, their families, and all those impacted by this devastating event. As recovery and care continue, 27 CAF members are still in hospital receiving treatment; 12 members have been released from hospital.

The CAF is grateful to the Province of Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, Alberta Health Services, civilian first responders, and hospital staff for the care they have provided and continue to provide to our members and their families. The CAF are also grateful to the Province of Ontario for supporting the Province of Alberta and the care and recovery of our injured members. Approximately 28 specialized civilian medical personnel with expertise in burn care were transported from Toronto today on a CAF CC-130 Hercules aircraft and arrived in Edmonton this afternoon. This support reflects the close collaboration underway with provincial health-care partners so that our injured members receive the specialized care they need. This support is just one of many services that have been mobilized to assist injured personnel, families, and members of the unit as they navigate the impacts of this tragedy.

These dedicated soldiers served Canada with honour and were training to carry out the CAF’s mission. Even during difficult times like these, the CAF must carry on that mission. The 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry will continue to train so they are ready to deploy on future operations.

The Military Police are conducting their investigation independently of the CAF chain of command. Their role is to establish the facts and determine whether any criminal or service offences may have occurred. They are coordinating closely with external partners, as well as organizations within the Department of National Defence (DND) and the CAF. This collaboration is particularly important when police, fire specialists, and provincial authorities have responsibilities connected to the same event.

A Board of Inquiry will be conducted as a separate and independent process. Comprehensive terms of reference are being developed, and the Board of Inquiry will be formally convened.

Resources

Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program: 1-800-268-7708, available 24/7
Employee Assistance Program

English: 1-800-663-1142, or 1-888-384-1152 (for people with hearing impairments)

French: 1-866-398-9505, or 1-866-433-3305 (for people with hearing impairments).

Family Information Line: 1-800-866-4546, available 24/7
9-8-8

Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 9-8-8, available 24/7 across Canada

In case of an emergency: 9-1-1

Quotes
“This is an incredibly difficult time for our Canadian Armed Forces members, their families, and everyone affected by this tragedy. The loss of Sergeant Morgan Wong, Private Shaun Farrell, Private Aidan Goulding, and Private Hayden Lykkemark is a painful reminder of the tremendous sacrifices made by those who serve Canada as members of our armed forces and the risks that come with military service. It is also a reminder of the strength of our military family as we come together in grief. We will continue to stand with the families, friends, and colleagues of those affected, ensuring they receive the care and support they need, now and in the days and months ahead.”

– General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff

“Our focus remains firmly on those injured members, the families of the fallen, their loved ones, their teammates, and the broader military community affected by this event. Although this tragedy occurred in Alberta, its impact is being felt by families, teammates, and communities across Canada. To everyone grieving a loved one or awaiting news from hospital, I offer my sincere condolences and recognize the uncertainty you are facing.”

– Major-General Wade Rutland, Commander, 1st Canadian Division

“Our deepest condolences are with the families, friends, and colleagues of those who lost their lives, and our thoughts are with all those affected. We recognize the profound loss being felt and the understandable desire for answers. The Military Police are conducting an independent investigation to establish the facts and determine whether any criminal or service offence occurred. We remain committed to keeping Canadians informed, as appropriate, as the investigation progresses.”

– Brigadier-General Vanessa Hanrahan, Canadian Forces Provost Marshal

Quick facts
Boards of Inquiry are typically conducted following the completion of an investigation, they may proceed concurrently when doing so does not compromise the integrity of investigative processes, helping the CAF improve future outcomes and support the welfare of its personnel.

Boards of Inquiry are led by the CAF. It is a fact-finding investigation which will try to determine how an incident came about and whether any lessons can be learned from it to prevent recurrence.

The Canadian Armed Forces relies on Canada’s civilian health care system for specialized treatment, including complex burn care, and that close partnership has been essential in recent days. We will continue to work with our provincial partners to support our injured members through every stage of their recovery.

 

Statement from the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal on the Ongoing Investigation into the Incident at CFB Wainwright

On behalf of the Canadian Forces Military Police, I extend my sincere condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of those affected by this tragic incident.

The Military Police investigation remains ongoing. Investigators continue to examine all available information and evidence to establish the facts and develop a complete understanding of the circumstances surrounding this event.

Based on available information, we can confirm that on 17 October 2026, a fire was reported on an Automatic Grenade Launcher range which initiated during routine military training activities. The fire remained within Permanent Danger Area 2 of that range, which restricted firefighters’ ability to conduct direct suppression operations. It was therefore monitored throughout the day. A subsequent change in wind direction and velocity significantly increased the fire’s intensity and rate of speed which led to these tragic events. Furthermore, there is no indication that natural gas infrastructure was involved nor impacted by the fire.

Investigations of this nature are complex and require careful assessment of information and evidence from multiple sources. While there is significant interest in understanding what occurred, it is important that the investigative process be allowed to follow the evidence wherever it leads. The Office of the Canadian Forces Provost Marshal will continue to keep Canadians informed as appropriate while protecting the investigation and the privacy of those involved.

During events of this nature, we must also recognize the toll that such circumstances can have on the first responders and investigators responsible for processing the scene and carrying out the investigation. I will engage with Canadian Armed Forces resources to help ensure appropriate mental health and wellness supports are available to our personnel, and I encourage all those involved to make use of the resources available to them and to continue supporting one another throughout this process.