Canadian officials confirmed a deadly incident took place at one of the country\u2019s busiest military bases Saturday that killed and injured people and sparked a major fire.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Mark Carney said a \u201cserious incident creating a major fire\u201d broke out at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday afternoon.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected,\u201d Carney said on X<\/a>, noting that he is \u201cworking closely with the Government of Alberta and local authorities.\u201d<\/p>\n At least seven people were killed in the tragedy, according to Global News<\/a>, citing multiple military sources.<\/p>\n The outlet, citing Canadian Armed Forces sources, also reported that the explosion occurred during a live-fire training exercise where a gas line or well was struck. <\/p>\n Canadian Minister of National Defence David McGuinty confirmed there were fatalities at the military base. NurPhoto via Getty Images<\/p>\n Paramedics work at the Wainwright Health Center as injured military members are treated after a fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright on Oct. 17, 2026. John Ulan\/The Canadian Press via AP<\/p>\n Defense Minister David McGuinty confirmed \u201cthere have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base,\u201d at an evening news conference in Ottawa, CBC News reported.<\/a><\/p>\n While McGuinty did not provide details as to what caused the incident or the number of deaths, he stressed he \u201ccannot recall an incident like this in recent memory.\u201d<\/p>\n The defense minister said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were involved in the investigation and described the deadly situation as \u201cvery, very active and delicate.\u201d<\/p>\n The incident and fire broke out at the Canadian Forces Base Wainright in Alberta.<\/p>\n Emergency crews and military personnel are seen at the Wainwright Health Center on Oct. 17, 2026. John Ulan\/The Canadian Press via AP<\/p>\n Ambulances line up outside of Wainwright Health Center after the disaster. John Ulan\/The Canadian Press via AP<\/p>\n Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described the fire as \u201csignificant and tragic fire\u201d which is \u201caffecting many of our brave military personnel,\u201d in an X post.<\/a><\/p>\n The fire had jumped across the base\u2019s fence and was spreading rapidly due to high winds in the area, according to the Municipal District of Wainwright.<\/p>\n No evacuation order was in effect but firefighters from multiple jurisdictions were helping to extinguish the blaze.<\/p>\n Paramedics load an injured person into an ambulance at the Wainwright Health Center on Oct. 17, 2026. John Ulan\/The Canadian Press via AP<\/p>\n Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta is seen following a deadly incident that killed and injured people and sparked a major fire on Saturday. CBCNN<\/p>\n The base has around 690 military personnel and 300 civilian workers. Government of Canada<\/p>\n Officials warned residents to stay clear of the area as emergency responders actively work on the situation.<\/p>\n Canadian Forces Base Wainright, located around 110 miles southeast of Edmonton, is one of the nation\u2019s busiest military training bases where soldiers prepare for combat operations.<\/p>\n