New details are emerging about the devastating fire at CFB Wainwright, with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith confirming 39 people were hospitalized, including at least 19 in critical condition.

The updated figures were released Sunday, October 18, following Saturday’s deadly incident at the military training base in east-central Alberta.

Prime Minister Mark Carney previously confirmed that four Canadian Armed Forces members lost their lives in the tragedy.

The latest information provides a clearer picture of the scale of the emergency, while military officials have also shared new details about the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Military Confirms Fire Began During Training Exercise

Major-General Wade Rutland, Commander of 1st Canadian Division, confirmed the fire started during a military training exercise on Saturday afternoon.

The blaze spread rapidly through the training area, with powerful winds contributing to its intensity and making firefighting efforts more difficult.

Although investigators have not yet determined what ignited the grass fire, military officials say they do not believe it was caused by outside interference or damage to oil and gas infrastructure.

The clarification comes after earlier speculation that the fire may have been connected to a gas line or well.

The exact cause remains under investigation.

19 Patients in Critical Condition

During Sunday’s briefing, Premier Smith confirmed that 39 people had been hospitalized following the incident, with at least 19 listed in critical condition.

Some of those injured suffered severe burns and could face lengthy hospital stays and recovery periods.

The emergency response stretched across Alberta, with patients transported from Wainwright to major medical facilities in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer.

Emergency Health Services Alberta deployed 30 units directly to Wainwright, including 22 ground ambulances, six fixed-wing aircraft and two helicopters.

The coordinated medical response continued for more than 10 hours.

Hospitals across the province activated Code Orange emergency protocols to manage the influx of patients. Acute Care Alberta has since confirmed that all Code Orange activations have ended.

Four Military Members Confirmed Dead

Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed Sunday that four Canadian Armed Forces members were killed in the incident.

The identities of those who died have not yet been publicly released in the information available.

Defence Minister David McGuinty travelled to Edmonton following the tragedy to receive briefings and meet with officials involved in the response.

Premier Smith also met with provincial and federal representatives as Alberta’s government continued coordinating support for those affected.

Investigation Continues

Wainwright RCMP were called to assist at approximately 4 p.m. Saturday after reports of a fire in a military training area.

The RCMP and military authorities are involved in investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

While the fire has been contained, questions remain about how it started and how the situation escalated into one of the most devastating incidents involving Canadian military personnel in recent years.

For now, attention remains on the families mourning the loss of four military members and the dozens of injured personnel receiving medical care.

Lakeland Connect will continue to follow developments as military officials release additional information.