Fifth soldier dies after Wainwright base fire in Alberta

OTTAWA — The Canadian Armed Forces say the death toll from the deadly fire that broke out during military training at Wainwright base in Alberta has risen to five, after another soldier died of injuries he suffered in the incident last month.

In an official statement on Saturday, the Department of National Defence confirmed that Private William Douglas Dal Bianco died on Friday, Nov. 13, while receiving medical care in Ontario.

He had been in treatment since the Oct. 17 fire, which killed four service members and injured dozens of others.

The Armed Forces said 24 service members are still being treated in hospital, while 14 others have been discharged.

Army identifies the fifth victim

Dal Bianco belonged to the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, known by the abbreviation 3 PPCLI.

The army said his death resulted from the injuries he suffered in the fire, after he spent about four weeks under medical care.

The announcement brought a new wave of grief within the military, particularly among his colleagues and the families of the injured soldiers.

The Armed Forces had held memorial ceremonies for the first four victims in recent weeks, before the toll rose with the death of the fifth soldier.

How the fire broke out on the base

The tragedy dates to Oct. 17, 2026, when about 84 soldiers were taking part in live-fire training at Wainwright base, southeast of Edmonton.

The training was part of a military exercise named APOLLO SHOOTER.

According to official information, a fire broke out in the training area at about 4 p.m. local time.

Strong winds helped the flames spread very quickly until they reached the area where the military unit was positioned.

The sudden spread of the fire trapped a number of soldiers, causing deaths and widespread injuries.

The five soldiers who died

The Canadian Armed Forces announced on Oct. 18 the names of the four service members who died in the fire.

They are Sgt. Morgan Wong, 26, of Edmonton, and Private Sean Farrell, 23, of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

The list of victims also includes Private Aidan Golding, 23, of North Vancouver, and Private Hayden Lekimarc, 19, of Langley, British Columbia.

They have now been joined by William Douglas Dal Bianco, who died on Nov. 13 of his injuries.

The five deaths are a painful loss for the Canadian Armed Forces, in an incident that occurred during a training activity within the country.

24 soldiers still receiving treatment

The update issued on Nov. 14 showed that 24 service members remain in hospital, while 14 of the injured have been able to leave.

The military had previously announced that some of the injured were being transferred to hospitals closer to their families in Ontario and British Columbia, to make visits easier and allow treatment to continue.

The Department of National Defence says it continues to provide medical and psychological support to the affected service members and their families, and is following their needs during their recovery.

Carney and defence minister offer condolences

Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his sorrow over the death of the fifth soldier, praising the service of the members who were training to defend Canada and protect its citizens.

Carney had described the Wainwright fire as one of the worst incidents the Canadian military has suffered inside the country in peacetime.

Defence Minister David McGuinty offered his condolences to Dal Bianco's family, friends and colleagues, stressing the government's commitment to supporting those affected.

Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan also expressed her deep sorrow, stressing that the Armed Forces will continue to stand by the injured and the families of the victims.

Commander of the Canadian Army Lt.-Gen. Michael Wright said the military will remember the late soldier's service and sacrifice.

Investigations into the cause

Military police continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the spread of the fire and its reaching the area where the soldiers had gathered.

Authorities had previously said the flames started in an area designated for automatic grenade launcher training, before shifting winds increased their intensity and speed of spread.

A separate military investigation is also under way to assess the procedures followed and to identify lessons that could help prevent similar incidents.

No final findings assigning responsibility to any party have been announced so far.

The Armed Forces say their priority is caring for the injured, supporting the families of the victims, and establishing the circumstances of one of the most painful military tragedies in Canada in recent years.