‘We mourn those we lost, and we pray for those who are still fighting for their lives in hospital’
By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt
Northumberland leaders continue to join people across the nation in sending messages of support to those grieving and still fighting for their lives after a tragic fire ripped through a training area at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright, Alta. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
Earlier this week, Northumberland-Clarke MP Philip Lawrence was among those who gathered for a moment of silence and emotional tributes in the House of Commons to honour the four CFB members who lost their lives and 39 others who were injured after the blaze Saturday afternoon.
“We mourn those we lost, and we pray for those who are still fighting for their lives in hospital,” said Lawrence. “May we never forget the sacrifices, the risks and the dangers that come with serving one’s country.
We will remember them.”
On Sunday, Oct. 18, the Department of National Defence (DND) confirmed four CFB members had lost their lives during what the DND described as a “fire-related training incident” the day prior at the training grounds in Alberta.
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Sgt. Morgan Wong, Private Shaun Farrell, Private Aidan Goulding, and Private Hayden Lykkemark,” said Chief of the Defence Staff of Canada Gen. Jennie Carignan, in a DND release after the ferocious fire. “On behalf of all our members, I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends and colleagues.
“We stand with them during this incredibly difficult time as we honour the service and dedication of our fallen. My thoughts are also with our injured members and their loved ones as they receive care and support.
“I am grateful to the first-responders and medical teams who responded to this tragedy, and to everyone providing support to those affected.”
In addition to the four members who lost their lives, 39 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members sustained injuries, said the DND, in a brief release earlier this week. (This was the latest information available at the Independent’s press deadline.)
Across Northumberland, municipalities also lowered flags to half-staff in a show of support for the fallen, the injured and grieving families.
“On behalf of council and the Town of Cobourg, we extend our sincere condolences to the loved ones of the Canadian Armed Forces members who lost their lives,” said Mayor Lucas Cleveland. “We will never forget their service to Canada.
“We are also thinking of all those who were injured and are continuing their recovery following this incident.”
In the Municipality of Port Hope, flags at town hall and its three fire stations were also lowered to half-mast in a show of “respect and remembrance.”
“On behalf of council and the entire community of Port Hope, we extend our deepest condolences to members of the Canadian Armed Forces, their families, colleagues and all those affected by this tragedy,” said Mayor Olena Hankivsky. “We join Canadians across the country in mourning and recognize the profound impact such losses have on those who serve our country and the loved ones who support them.”
Municipalities across Northumberland, as well as places such as Northumberland Hills Hospital also lowered flags this week, expressed condolences and echoed messages of support.
In the neighbouring Bay of Quinte riding that houses 8Wing/CFB Trenton, MP Chris Malette said people’s hearts are with the families, friends and colleagues of those grieving and struggling in the wake of this tragedy.
“We remember their service to Canada and the profound impact (of) this loss is being felt across the military community and our country,” he said, while also extending thoughts and support to those injured and wishing them a full recovery.
According to CBC, there are three separate parallel investigations underway, which include two military probes – a board of inquiry and a technical investigation into the circumstances – and a civilian coroner’s investigation by the province of Alberta.
The DND has already said that on Oct. 17 members of the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group from the 3rd Battalion, Prince Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, were conducting live fire training at CFB Wainwright as part of Exercise APOLLO SHOOTER. While conducting training, a fire ignited and high wind speeds enabled the fire to grow and spread “very rapidly, overtaking the unit administrative area.”
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