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

WAINWRIGHT — 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 on 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.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Sunday many of the injured have serious burns.

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.

Defence Minister David McGuinty said people have been lining up to donate blood, bring meals to first responders, and open their homes to those grieving.

Canadian Blood Services said Monday the public’s response to the crisis demonstrates Canadians’ “generosity” and “the importance of maintaining a strong, prepared blood system.”

“One of the most meaningful ways people can help is by booking and keeping donation appointments in the days and weeks ahead,” it said in an email, adding that “maintaining a healthy blood supply is an ongoing effort and donations made in the coming weeks will be just as important as those made today.”

Canadian Blood Services said it’s continuing to monitor the needs of patients and hospitals in Alberta and will work with health system partners to ensure those needs are met.

In an August blog post on treatment of burn victims after wildfires, U.S.-based The Blood Connection said plasma in donated blood can help prevent clotting, regulate blood pressure and balance a patient’s fluids.

It says over the first 24 hours after a patient is burned, fluid leaks rapidly from damaged or burned blood vessels into surrounding tissues, causing blood pressure to drop rapidly.

“In the following days, as the body attempts to repair itself, plasma may also be introduced to stabilize blood vessel walls and return the body’s blood pressure to normal,” The Blood Connection said. “For patients who experience hemorrhaging, plasma is vital to ensure that bloods clot, and internal bleeding doesn’t become life-threatening.”

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

The Canadian Press