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Canadians step up to give blood after fire at Alberta military base kills four

Canadians step up to give blood after base fire

Canadian Blood Services says it has been "deeply moved" by a surge in public support following a deadly fire at a military base in Wainwright, Alta.

Defence officials have said 84 members of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry were in a training area of CFB Wainwright, southeast of Edmonton, when a fire struck Saturday.

Strong and sudden winds sent flames from a nearby grass fire across the Prairie landscape at lightning speed, killing four and sending 39 to hospital, 19 in critical condition.

Among the dead are Sgt. Morgan Wong of Edmonton, Pte. Shaun Farrell of Prince Albert, Sask., Pte. Aidan Goulding of North Vancouver, and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark of Langley, B.C.

Canadian Blood Services said in a statement Sunday that those who want to help by donating blood are encouraged to do so in the coming days and weeks.

Canadian Blood Services says the response from Canadians is a testament to their generosity and the importance of maintaining a well-prepared blood system.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2026.

Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.