WorldPosted at: Oct 18 2026 6:17PM


Several killed, injured in major fire at Canadian military base: Minister

Ottawa, Oct 18 (UNI) Several people were killed and injured in a major fire at a Canadian military training base in Alberta, Defence Minister David McGuinty said, as emergency services struggled to cope with the influx of casualties.
McGuinty did not disclose the number of dead and injured or the cause of the blaze at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright. He described the situation as “very active and delicate” and said an investigation would be launched.
The Canadian Armed Forces said casualty figures would be released after the next of kin had been notified.
The fire broke out at around 4 pm local time on Saturday at a training area at the base in east-central Alberta and spread rapidly amid strong winds, officials said. The blaze also spread beyond the training area, prompting a major emergency response.
Hospitals in the nearby town of Wainwright were overwhelmed by the number of patients, prompting authorities to divert casualties to medical facilities in Edmonton, about 210 km (130 miles) away, CBC News reported.
A “code orange” emergency protocol was declared in Edmonton to coordinate treatment for a high number of patients. Dr Warren Thirsk, an emergency department physician at the city’s Royal Alexandra Hospital, described the incident as “a one in every 15 to 25-year disaster”.
Air ambulance helicopters operated by STARS were dispatched from Edmonton and Calgary to assist in transporting patients.
Prime Minister Mark Carney described the fire as a "serious incident" and said his thoughts were with those affected. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called it “significant and tragic”, saying it had affected military personnel.
General Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff, said the military’s immediate priority was to support those affected, assist emergency responders and ensure the well-being of service members, their families and the surrounding community. She also expressed condolences to the families of those killed.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police sent personnel to assist at the base. Saskatchewan deployed resources to support Alberta, while British Columbia offered assistance, officials said.
Wainwright Mayor Bruce Pugh said the fire had crossed the base perimeter but was being contained by firefighting teams. The town’s hospital was being used as a triage centre.
Authorities urged residents to avoid the affected area, keep roads clear for emergency vehicles and visit the Wainwright Health Centre only for critical medical needs. No evacuation order had been issued.
The cause of the fire remained unclear. The Canadian Armed Forces said further details would be released as they became available.
Located southeast of Edmonton, CFB Wainwright is a major military training facility and a key site for live-fire exercises involving infantry, artillery and air support.UNI AAB
Tags: #Several killed# injured in major fire at Canadian military base: Minister
More News

Saudi Arabia intercepts Ballistic Missiles, drones amid escalating Houthi attacks

18 Oct 2026 | 6:51 PM

Riyadh, Oct 18 (UNI) Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles and several drones launched by Yemen’s Houthi militia, Saudi-led coalition officials said on Sunday, as emergency alerts warned residents in Riyadh and the southern city of Khamis Mushayt of hostile aerial threats.

see more..

Several killed, injured in major fire at Canadian military base: Minister

18 Oct 2026 | 6:17 PM

Ottawa, Oct 18 (UNI) Several people were killed and injured in a major fire at a Canadian military training base in Alberta, Defence Minister David McGuinty said, as emergency services struggled to cope with the influx of casualties.

see more..

Yemeni official rejects Iran's mediation offer, accuses Tehran of arming Houthis

18 Oct 2026 | 6:08 PM

Aden, Oct 18 (UNI) Yemeni official Afrah Al-Zouba has rejected Iran's proposal to mediate the conflict in Yemen, accusing Tehran of prolonging the war by providing military, financial and political support to Houthi rebels.

see more..

South Korea vows to pursue resumption of dialogue with North Korea

18 Oct 2026 | 5:33 PM

Seoul, Oct 18 (UNI) South Korea will continue efforts to resume long-stalled dialogue with North Korea and promote peaceful coexistence between the two countries, Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said on Sunday, according to local media.

see more..

Iran parliament approves Mehrdad Akhlaqi as defence minister; warns of broad response to US-Israeli attack

18 Oct 2026 | 3:02 PM

Tehran, Oct 18 (UNI) Iran's parliament on Sunday approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as the country's new defence minister, with the nominee warning that any fresh US-Israeli attack would trigger a "surprising and extensive" response.

see more..