Updated October 18, 2026 @ 5:42pm
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says, along with four deaths in the fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, there are 39 more injured in hospital.
Smith says 19 of them are in critical condition.
She says some are dealing with severe burn injuries.
Smith made the comments at a news conference in Edmonton with officials, including Defence Minister David McGuinty.
A soldier from Oro-Medonte was among those critically injured in the fire, his mother, township mayoral candidate Cathy Keane, confirmed on a social media post.
Keane shared the following on social media, “Overnight, our family received the devastating news that our eldest son is among the military personnel critically injured in the incident in Wainwright, Alberta, on Saturday…Right now, I ask for your understanding as our family navigates an incredibly difficult and uncertain time. We are grateful for the kindness and support of our friends and community.”
Keane is en route to Alberta to be with her son and family.
While her door-to-door campaigning for the mayor’s job in Oro-Medonte has been suspended, she says she remains committed seeking the post in the October 26 municipal election.
Officials say the tragedy began with a fire that was whipped up by high winds.
The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18, 2026.
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