Deadly Fire at Military Base in Alberta, Canada Left 4 Dead and 39 Injured - Canadian Bishops Offer Prayers and Condolences - RIP
A deadly grass fire at the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright in east-central Alberta has left four Canadian soldiers dead and 39 others injured, with at least 19 in critical condition. [1]
The four (pictured) Canadian Armed Forces members who lost their lives have been identified as: Sergeant Morgan Wong, 26 years old, from Edmonton, Alberta. Private Shaun Farrell, 23 years old, from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Private Hayden Lykkemark, 19 years old, from Langley, British Columbia. Private Aidan Goulding, 23 years old, from North Vancouver, British Columbia.
The disaster occurred on Saturday, October 17, 2026, around 4:00 p.m. local time during a high-intensity combat training exercise involving 84 members of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Sudden and violent wind changes reaching up to 96 km/h (60 mph) rapidly drove the wildfire across the training area, trapping and overwhelming the troops. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Two prominent Canadian bishops have responded with prayer and condolences for the victims and their families.
The head of the Military Ordinariate of Canada, Bishop Scott McCaig, C.C.
wrote on Facebook: (Rcmilord Canada)
It is with great sadness that I received the news of the tragedy in Wainright. I am praying for all the victims, the injured, and their families. We stand ready to help in any way we can and urge prayers from all members of the Ordinariate.
May the tender mercy of God cover the suffering and pain of all involved. And give strength to all the many brave responders! May everyone involved be wrapped in the mantle of Our Lady’s mantle of maternal love, protection, and intercession.
Bishop Scott McCaig, C.C.
Military Ordinary of Canada.
In the wake of the tragic incident at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright on Saturday, October 17, we extend our heartfelt prayers and pastoral concern to all those affected.
We stand in solidarity with Canadian Armed Forces personnel and their families, the people of Wainwright and surrounding communities, and all first responders and healthcare workers providing care and support.
Those who serve at CFB Wainwright are our relatives, friends, and neighbours. We hold them close in our hearts and prayers, and we are called to accompany all who are suffering through compassion, practical support, and the love of Christ.
We commend to God’s loving mercy those who have died, pray for healing for the injured, and ask for comfort for those who mourn and strength and peace for all affected. We also remember pastor Fr. Benjamin Obetta CFIC, Deacon Carlos Lara, and the community of Blessed Sacrament Parish, asking the Lord to sustain them in faith and unite them in prayer.
May Christ, our hope and healing, console the sorrowful, renew the hearts of those who are hurting, and draw us closer to God and one another. May we remain united in faith, compassion, and solidarity, trusting in God’s unfailing love.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
✠ Most Rev. Stephen A. Hero
Archbishop of Edmonton
October 19, 2026
Source - https://caedm.ca/statement-on-the-tragedy-at-cfb-wainwright-most-rev-stephen-a-hero/
It is with great sadness that I received the news of the tragedy in Wainright. I am praying for all the victims, the injured, and their families. We stand ready to help in any way we can and urge prayers from all members of the Ordinariate.
May the tender mercy of God cover the suffering and pain of all involved. And give strength to all the many brave responders! May everyone involved be wrapped in the mantle of Our Lady’s mantle of maternal love, protection, and intercession.
Bishop Scott McCaig, C.C.
Military Ordinary of Canada.
Statement on the Tragedy at CFB Wainwright – Most Rev. Stephen A. Hero
In the wake of the tragic incident at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright on Saturday, October 17, we extend our heartfelt prayers and pastoral concern to all those affected.
We stand in solidarity with Canadian Armed Forces personnel and their families, the people of Wainwright and surrounding communities, and all first responders and healthcare workers providing care and support.
Those who serve at CFB Wainwright are our relatives, friends, and neighbours. We hold them close in our hearts and prayers, and we are called to accompany all who are suffering through compassion, practical support, and the love of Christ.
We commend to God’s loving mercy those who have died, pray for healing for the injured, and ask for comfort for those who mourn and strength and peace for all affected. We also remember pastor Fr. Benjamin Obetta CFIC, Deacon Carlos Lara, and the community of Blessed Sacrament Parish, asking the Lord to sustain them in faith and unite them in prayer.
May Christ, our hope and healing, console the sorrowful, renew the hearts of those who are hurting, and draw us closer to God and one another. May we remain united in faith, compassion, and solidarity, trusting in God’s unfailing love.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
✠ Most Rev. Stephen A. Hero
Archbishop of Edmonton
October 19, 2026
Source - https://caedm.ca/statement-on-the-tragedy-at-cfb-wainwright-most-rev-stephen-a-hero/
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