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Condolences continue to pour in from across Canada and the world as emergency crews work to contain a deadly fire burning at Canadian Army Base Wainwright.
At least seven people were killed and dozens injured, according to various military sources.
“As Commander-in-Chief, and on behalf of all Canadians, I extend my support to the military members, families and communities impacted by the fire at CFB Wainwright,” Governor General Louise Arbor said in a statement Sunday morning. “My thoughts are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives, those who were injured, and all those affected by this tragedy.”
The Canadian Armed Forces confirmed on Sunday that a fire broke out inside the training area around 4 pm MT on Saturday.
The explosion occurred as a result of an explosion caused by a live fire drill that hit a gas pipe or gas well at the base, several Canadian Armed Forces sources told Global News.
“The fire spread quickly beyond the boundaries of the training area, while military and civil emergency services responded quickly to control the fire and provide support to those affected by this tragic event,” CAF said in a press release.
Chief of Defense Staff Jennie Carignan said the CAF and Department of National Defense were working with partners across the federal, provincial and municipal governments to “mobilize all necessary support.”
“Our troops, civilian personnel and emergency responders are working with local authorities to respond to this situation,” he said in a statement. “On behalf of the Canadian Army, I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy.”
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Condolences poured in
A number of leaders from all levels of government offered condolences overnight, including Premier Mark Carney, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, and Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi.
But as the night wore on and into the morning, more and more leaders like Arbor paid their respects.
“Canada mourns the terrible tragedy at CFB Wainwright,” Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas said Sunday morning. “Our soldiers risk their lives to serve our country, and to lose them here at home is devastating.”
In Ontario, Premier Doug Ford and NDP Leader Marit Stiles urged Canadians to unite.
“As Canadians, let us unite to support the brave men and women in uniform, who risk their lives to protect our freedom and our country,” Ford said on social media. “Ontario stands ready to assist with recovery efforts however we can.”
“I can’t imagine how hard this news is for families who have loved ones serving in the military. Canadians stand with you,” Stiles said.
Condolences were also expressed from abroad.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic events and devastating fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta,” said Andril Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. “My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.”
The fire is still burning south of Wainwright
When the fire broke out, most of Alberta was under a wind warning with wind gusts of up to 100 km/h fueling the blaze.
The Wainwright Municipal District said the fire south of town crossed the base fence earlier in the day and was actively managed.
A public fire watch has been implemented, and the city urges residents to continue to avoid the incident area and keep roads clear.
—with files from Global News’ Karen Bartko, Amy Judd and Ashleigh Stewart
© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
