Nearby hospitals overwhelmed after disaster.
DENWOOD, Alberta, Canada (PNN) - October 18, 2026 - At least seven people have been killed and dozens injured after an explosion occurred at a Canadian military base. Fire crews were called to Base Wainwright in the province of Alberta at around 4:00 pm local time yesterday after a blaze broke out at the site and spread into the surrounding area.
The blast reportedly came after a gas line or well was hit during a live-fire training exercise, according to Canadian TV network Global News.
Following the explosion, doctors in the city of Edmonton, which is 120 miles northwest of the base, said they were being inundated with patients.
Warren Thirsk, an emergency department doctor at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, told CBC News, “This number of patients would overwhelm the city of Edmonton and that is why we are clearing our decks and mobilizing to respond as if it was our own city. There are more patients than any of us want to count right now. It's a disaster. It's a one in every 15 to 25-year disaster.”
The military training base is one of Canada’s busiest and is the main base used for live-fire exercises by the country’s military.
Following the incident, Canadian prime minister Mark Carney said, “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.”
David McGuinty, the country's defense minister, said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) were involved in investigating the blaze and described the situation as very, very active and delicate.
He said authorities were still working to determine what happened and expected to provide further information.
Firefighters faced a volatile situation as large areas of Alberta were hit during the day by a windstorm with gusts up to 62 mph. The wind toppled trees and sent street signs flying through towns.
However, there was no evacuation order for residents in the nearby town of Wainwright, which has around 7,000 residents.
McGuinty, speaking to reporters in Ottawa, confirmed the deaths and said he could not recall an incident like this in recent memory. “We will have more to say in the coming hours and days. At this time, our thoughts are with the families and with everyone impacted by this tragic event. I want to thank, in particular, the first responders and everyone providing assistance at a very difficult time.”
McGuinty added, “This is an active and delicate situation and soon to be an active and delicate investigation.”
Scott Moe, the leader of the neighboring province of Saskatchewan, said he was sending assistance to Alberta but did not specify what resources were being deployed.
Alberta's leader Danielle Smith described the fire as “significant and tragic” and said it was affecting many military personnel. She thanked first responders and those who provided care and support to those affected.
Wainwright is home to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, which conducts realistic battlefield exercises, and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, which provides military training.
The base had 1,310 military and civilian personnel stationed there as of 2021, according to census data.
General Jennie Carignan, the chief of Canada's defense staff, said the country's forces were working with the “government of Alberta and municipal governments to mobilize all necessary support.”
“Our priority remains the welfare of our members, their families and their community,” she added.
Canadian Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said he had spoken with Carney and McGuinty to offer support to those affected by the fire. He urged locals to follow emergency instructions and keep roads clear for first responders.
The fire also disrupted advance voting ahead of tomorrow's referendum on whether Alberta should begin a process that could lead to independence from Canada.
Elections Alberta said two polling locations, in Lloydminster and Vermilion, closed early on Saturday and the ballots were transported securely.