Updated October 18, 2026 @ 2:09pm
The son of Oro-Medonte mayoral candidate, Cathy Keane, is among the injured in Saturday’s major fire at CFB Wainright, southeast of Edmonton.
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.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said four soldiers died in the blaze, which broke out at a training area at the base. Dozens were injured, many critically, adding the nation is in mourning, and standing in solidarity with the families.
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He called it one of the "worst tragedies for the (Armed Forces) on Canadian soil in peacetime."
"The nation is in mourning for those brave members of our Armed Forces we have lost," Carney told reporters in Ottawa on Sunday.
"Our hearts go with and we are praying for the wounded, and we stand in solidarity and compassion for the families, the friends and the colleagues of all those affected by this tragedy."
He said family members of those who died have been notified and that those involved came from military bases across the country, including reservists and soldiers in the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
The injured are receiving care locally and in Edmonton and Calgary, he added.
The fire erupted Saturday afternoon at the massive base about 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton. Police have said it broke out in a training area.
Carney said military and civilian firefighter crews put their lives at risk as they fought the flames overnight in "some of the worst conditions imaginable."
He added that flags on all federal buildings would be lowered to half-mast to pay tribute to the brave members who died.
Officials have yet to confirm details of what happened or what started the blaze, but the Armed Forces said there's no indication it was the result of terrorist activity.
Carney said a public briefing would be given later Sunday with officials on the ground in Alberta, including Defence Minister David McGuinty, Eleanor Olszewski, the minister of emergency preparedness, and Maj.-Gen. Wade Rutland, commander of the 1st Canadian Division.
They are to be joined by Premier Danielle Smith, provincial ministers and senior officials.
"The loss of life and injuries are heartbreaking," Smith said in a statement Sunday.
She added that flags at provincial buildings in Alberta would also be flown at half-mast in the days ahead.
"Alberta stands with the Canadian Armed Forces, the people of Wainwright and all those grieving during this difficult time," she said.
CFB Wainwright is one of Canada's busiest bases and is used mainly to train soldiers and prepare units for combat operations.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18, 2026.
— With files from Jack Farrell in Edmonton
The Canadian Press - Fakiha Baig
