Smith Says 39 Received Hospital Care After Wainwright Fire, 19 Critical

Conceptual illustration of an empty hospital corridor with treatment rooms and a maple leaf motif

Updated: October 18, 2026, 7:22 p.m. EDT

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Sunday afternoon that 39 people received hospital care after the deadly fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, with 19 in critical condition. The premier’s briefing provided a firmer account of the injuries following Saturday’s military training incident.

Patients were transferred to four hospitals across Alberta. Smith said all were accounted for. The Associated Press reported that some suffered severe burns and could require weeks or months of intensive treatment.

Acute Care Alberta chief executive Dr. Sayeh Zielke gave a more detailed breakdown: 19 critical patients, eight stable patients and 12 ambulatory patients receiving care for injuries that could be assessed without admission, CTV News reported from the briefing. The total therefore does not mean all 39 remained admitted.

Four Canadian Armed Forces members died. National Defence said the grass fire began in the base’s training area at approximately 4 p.m. local time on Saturday, October 17, before spreading rapidly.

Hospitals have lifted the Code Orange emergency measures used to mobilize resources for the mass-casualty response. The military will conduct a board of inquiry, Maj.-Gen. L.W. Rutland said Sunday. The cause remains under investigation.

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