Posted October 22, 2026 7:54 am

1 min read

Click to play video: 'Defence minister responds to reports CAF was advised not to conduct fire training at CFB Wainwright'

1:46 Defence minister responds to reports CAF was advised not to conduct fire training at CFB Wainwright

WATCH: Defence minister responds to reports CAF was advised not to conduct fire training at CFB Wainwright

Officials are set to provide an update Thursday about a devastating fire at a Canadian military base in Alberta that left four soldiers dead and dozens more injured.

Maj.-Gen. Wade Rutland of the 1st Canadian Division has said Saturday’s blaze began as a grass fire, but a violent windstorm sent flames racing toward soldiers training at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright.

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The fire initially sent 39 wounded to various hospitals, and officials said Wednesday that number was down to 27, with 13 in critical condition.

Roughly 150 people attended a vigil late Wednesday at a church in the nearby town of Wainwright, Alta., southeast of Edmonton.

Prayers were said, songs were sung and the names of those killed were read aloud, followed by a moment of silence.

Mayor Bruce Pugh says the last few days have been tough, but activities at the base have started to return to normal.

© 2026 The Canadian Press

Source: Global News · By Staff The Canadian Press

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