17 Oct 2026: Major fire at CFB Wainwright

[dapaterson]

Looking towards the future, I really hope units etc triple check paperwork trails. Id hate to see these troops get the run around from VAC because of a missing document.

People being told to update their information and failing to do so is not a CAF problem. The CoC needs to take responsibility for the administration of their subordinates.

 

[ModlrMike]

People being told to update their information and failing to do so is not a CAF problem. The CoC needs to take responsibility for the administration of their subordinates.

Yes, but people also need to take responsibility for their own administration. We can only have so many ORVs per year, and we can only badger folks so often. It was a little easier as a ResF CO after I enforced a policy that no one went on tasking without a completed and verified NOK form.

 

[OldSolduer]

excuse me but there are a few internet assholes who need to be:

a. Throat punched;
b. Keyboards and devices seized until they can figure things out; and
c. Banned from social media.

My Niner Domestic informed me that a friend of one of the fatalities wants to start a Go Fund Me. Good I say, if it helps do it.

Some internet asshole asks "why should you do that, the government will pay for everything". Throat punch.

My response would have been "shut the fuck up and mind your own business"

 

[dapaterson]

Yes, but people also need to take responsibility for their own administration. We can only have so many ORVs per year, and we can only badger folks so often. It was a little easier as a ResF CO after I enforced a policy that no one went on tasking without a completed and verified NOK form.

Individual responsibility seems to be lacking too often.

I experienced searching for someone based on the name of their spouse... and determined that despite being together for over a decade, the senior officer in question had never updated their NoK or pension beneficiary.

 

[Maxman1]

Based on being a Met Tech and confirming the forecast and weather warnings were issued before posting... but sure.

It was sarcasm. I was joking about how you're the resident SME.

 

[MilEME09]

Individual responsibility seems to be lacking too often.

I experienced searching for someone based on the name of their spouse... and determined that despite being together for over a decade, the senior officer in question had never updated their NoK or pension beneficiary.

I was more referring to the CF98s, 663s, witness statements etc that VAC would need, not oeioles personal admin

 

[Retired AF Guy]

Black Cloud Six who is a retired senior Canadian Army officer gives a quick brief on how training exercises (dry or live) are conducted and the people in the background who do all the coordinating (Range Control, RSOs, etc).

The Tragedy at Wainwright: How the Army Manages Risk

I am still reeling at the news out of Wainwright, Alberta over the last couple of days.

blackcloudsix.substack.com

 

[OldSolduer]

Black Cloud Six who is a retired senior Canadian Army officer gives a quick brief on how training exercises (dry or live) are conducted and the people in the background who do all the coordinating (Range Control, RSOs, etc).

The Tragedy at Wainwright: How the Army Manages Risk

I am still reeling at the news out of Wainwright, Alberta over the last couple of days.

blackcloudsix.substack.com

I looked at this, he’s right.

It does remind us even training can be very dangerous. He’s right there too.

 

[medicineman]

I was more referring to the CF98s, 663s, witness statements etc that VAC would need, not oeioles personal admin

I looked at this, he’s right.

It does remind us even training can be very dangerous. He’s right there too.

My second year in 1 Fd Amb, we were setting up our BMS out in Wainwright for a Brigade Ex when something came over the Range Control net about a No Duff on one of the ranges - some Reservists from the SALH IIRC were out on a range and one of the troops set off a UXO on an old mortar or Carl G range - one guy died and another was seriously injured. This was like 1990 or so - can only imagine how messed up that went administratively for the deceased and the wounded guy. Given how I'd seen some Reservists treated that were injured/wounded during the UNPROFOR days, I can't imagine things went that well...

 

[MilEME09]

My second year in 1 Fd Amb, we were setting up our BMS out in Wainwright for a Brigade Ex when something came over the Range Control net about a No Duff on one of the ranges - some Reservists from the SALH IIRC were out on a range and one of the troops set off a UXO on an old mortar or Carl G range - one guy died and another was seriously injured. This was like 1990 or so - can only imagine how messed up that went administratively for the deceased and the wounded guy. Given how I'd seen some Reservists treated that were injured/wounded during the UNPROFOR days, I can't imagine things went that well...

Unfortunately there has been many reports fron the ombudsman, and others on reservists being treated as second class soldiers by VAC when injured.

 

[Kilted]

Unfortunately there has been many reports fron the ombudsman, and others on reservists being treated as second class soldiers by VAC when injured.

Nothing like showing up to the MIR on a Class B on base for the summer and being told "o wait, you're a reservist, we can't treat you for this."

 

[The Bread Guy]

For the record, this from the King:

Message from His Majesty The King following the tragedy at CFB Wainwright​

October 19, 2026

My wife and I were greatly shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright.

Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and with all those who have been injured or otherwise affected at this most difficult time. We extend our particular admiration and gratitude to the military and civilian emergency services, healthcare workers and all those who have responded with such courage and dedication in the most challenging circumstances.

Above all, we send our special thoughts and prayers to the people of Alberta, and to the Canadian Armed Forces and their families.

Charles R.

Archived here.

 

[Humphrey Bogart]

That Others May Live

Words to live by.

Risk involved considered!!?? Those were OUR many, many people on the ground injured. I absolutely doubt there was even an iota of hesitation to help by our SARs, the RCAF and CJOC. And, if there was, I'm also certain they all instantaneously went "Fuck it - those are OUR people on ground who need us ... GOOO!!!". Maybe it's just me.

Absolutely.

And now after my posting and thinking about it another 5 minutes ...

SARs would have done exact same for any MCI, not just one that involved our own CAF personnel.

They've jumped extreme winds for civ casevacs before so that others may live. It's their motto. And they quite bravely live up to it.



Note: "Risk Mitigation" does not nor ever has it ever been intended to equal "Risk Elimination". Risk Mitigation = Minimize the Risk.

Dealing with high consequence/high risk safety critical incidents is incredibly taxing and draining. Get a few casualties and the first responders are going to be burning the candle pretty hard, now dealing with this level of trauma and this number of casualties? Unimaginably taxing.

Yah, get the SARTECHs on the ground ASAP to assist with triage and stabilization, and just give the other staff a break if they need it.

Their DZ was 500 yards from the hospital... get these highly trained expert on the ground to give our troops the best fighting chance possible!

 

[medicineman]

Unfortunately there has been many reports fron the ombudsman, and others on reservists being treated as second class soldiers by VAC when injured.

Yup...I've seen it from both sides of the fence line, as a Reg Force member treating Reservists and as a Reservist, treating both Reg and Reserve members and being treated by Reg and Reserve Force members.

 

[brihard]

Dealing with high consequence/high risk safety critical incidents is incredibly taxing and draining. Get a few casualties and the first responders are going to be burning the candle pretty hard, now dealing with this level of trauma and this number of casualties? Unimaginably taxing.

Yah, get the SARTECHs on the ground ASAP to assist with triage and stabilization, and just give the other staff a break if they need it.

Their DZ was 500 yards from the hospital... get these highly trained expert on the ground to give our troops the best fighting chance possible!

Yup. Zero doubt in my mind the on-scene and on-call medical resources, and anyone on TD on base sober enough to answer their phone on a Saturday evening out, was involved and probably immediately overwhelmed. Getting any qualified bodies there ASAP would be an imperative and would make total sense.

 

[Staff Weenie]

I cannot give great detail about internal VAC people & processes, but I know that lack of a CF98 or 663 will not be a show stopper in this case (for Res F Pte Bloggins who breaks a toe on a weekend Ex, it does complicate it). It is what is on a medical record (military and/or civilian) that can be the deciding factor. These troops are being tracked closely.

Here, we have received the bulk CASREP giving name/rank/SN for all of those killed and injured. Actions have been initiated, Designated Assistants are going out to all impacted families, briefings for the MND/CDS etc on benefits and services available to Reg F & Res F casualties are being prepped/delivered. At least in this case, as it is so high profile, they will not be overlooked.

 

[Kilted]

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7387242

I love her comments about having firefightering equipment and support on-site. I'm not exactly sure how big a fire, a rake, a shovel, a bucket, and one fire extinguisher can put out, but it won't be a big one.

 

[OldSolduer]

Unfortunately there has been many reports fron the ombudsman, and others on reservists being treated as second class soldiers by VAC when injured.

In 1993 upon return from Croatia we cut our Reservists loose within five days of returning. A deep down feeling told me this was wrong....

And it appears it hasn't been resolved.

 

[OldSolduer]

I cannot give great detail about internal VAC people & processes, but I know that lack of a CF98 or 663 will not be a show stopper in this case (for Res F Pte Bloggins who breaks a toe on a weekend Ex, it does complicate it). It is what is on a medical record (military and/or civilian) that can be the deciding factor. These troops are being tracked closely.

Here, we have received the bulk CASREP giving name/rank/SN for all of those killed and injured. Actions have been initiated, Designated Assistants are going out to all impacted families, briefings for the MND/CDS etc on benefits and services available to Reg F & Res F casualties are being prepped/delivered. At least in this case, as it is so high profile, they will not be overlooked.

I am so glad to read this. If there is ANY Way we can be of assistance please contact us.

 

[Jarnhamar]

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7387242

I love her comments about having firefightering equipment and support on-site. I'm not exactly sure how big a fire, a rake, a shovel, a bucket, and one fire extinguisher can put out, but it won't be a big one.

There's no way she can be that out of touch.