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Explore the latest beauty tech, from Shark’s depuffing tool to FAQ’s LED masks.
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Beauty tech has come a long way from the drugstore gadgets we used to toss in a drawer. The newest tools bring spa-level treatments and salon-worthy styling right to your bathroom counter, and they’re actually easy to use. From an instant depuffing fix by Shark to LED light therapy from FAQ, you can wear while you sip your morning coffee, these are the tools I’m loving right now.
If you wake up puffy (hello, late nights and salty dinners), this one’s for you. The DePuffi uses contrast therapy, switching between warm and cool, to help reduce puffiness and leave skin looking refreshed and awake. It’s like a cold spoon under the eyes, but so much more effective. Use it before makeup for a smoother, brighter base.[/product_listing]
This flexible, transparent silicone mask feels comfortable on the face. It’s designed to support anti-aging and help fight blemishes. It’s lightweight and wire-free, so you can move around the house while you treat your skin.[/product_listing]
Your neck and chest often get forgotten in a skincare routine, but they’re among the first places to show fine lines and sun damage. This mask is shaped to fit those areas, so they get the same LED treatment as your face.[/product_listing]
Hands can reveal our age before anything else. This hand mask brings LED therapy to the backs of your hands. Slip it on while you relax with a show.[/product_listing]
A heated curler gently warms lashes as you curl, a lot like using a curling iron on your hair, so the lift lasts longer and holds up better. It’s gentler than squeezing with a traditional curler and great for straight lashes that won’t hold a curl. Swipe on mascara afterwards for a wide-awake look.[/product_listing]
Don’t let its size fool you. This compact dryer has a digital motor that spins at up to 90,000 RPM for up to 5x more speed, and 75% more air pressure for serious drying power. It’s lightweight and easy on your arms, so it’s perfect for travel or small bathrooms. You get fast results without the bulk.[/product_listing]
Don’t let its size fool you. This compact dryer has a digital motor that spins at up to 90,000 RPM for up to 5x more speed, and 75% more air pressure for serious drying power. It’s lightweight and easy on your arms, so it’s perfect for travel or small bathrooms. You get fast results without the bulk.[/product_listing]
Four service members are confirmed dead and dozens more were seriously injured following an explosion and fire on Saturday at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright. A preliminary investigation suggests a munition from a live training exercise sparked a fast-moving grass fire, which caused an explosion, according to multiple military sources who spoke to Global News. As Jeff Semple reports, the circumstances surrounding the fire and the full extent of its impact remain unclear.
An internal Canadian Armed Forces memo says the fire index was low for a scheduled live-ammunition training exercise Saturday at a base near Wainwright, Alberta, when an “unexpected and sudden wind change” sparked a runaway grass fire that killed four soldiers and seriously injured dozens more.
“During training, a grass fire ignited, and strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly and shift direction; the fire shifted toward the personnel on the range and overtook their admin area,” the memo states.
Earlier on Saturday, Environment Canada had issued a high-wind warning for Alberta. Gusts of up to 100 km/h in some parts of the province tipped over semi-trailer trucks and toppled trees.
Issued Sunday by the Strategic Joint Staff (SJS) and obtained by Global News, the memo also said flames jumped a fire guard and spread outside the base, forcing the evacuation of one family home. The fire has been contained but is still burning.
The cause of the blaze remains unknown.
The SJS directly reports to the chief of defence staff, Canada’s highest-ranking military officer.
The staff memo specifies that the dead and injured are from C or Charlie Company, Third Battalion of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, which is based at Edmonton Garrison.
Four soldiers were killed, another 31 suffered “very serious or serious” injuries, and six to eight others had minor injuries, it said.
Fifteen soldiers were intubated and sent to the University of Alberta and Royal Alexandra hospitals in Edmonton.
The memo cautioned that the situation was “fluid” and “these casualty reporting numbers are considered accurate but may change over time with ongoing assessments of casualty status.”
At a news conference Sunday afternoon, Maj.-Gen. Wade Rutland identified the four deceased as Sgt. Morgan Wong of Edmonton, and Privates Shaun Farrell of Prince Albert, Sask., Aidan Goulding of North Vancouver, B.C., and Hayden Lykkemark of Langley, B.C.
Their families have been notified.
Rutland said the training was to prepare the soldiers for a global response task force “ready to move within hours to any hotspot around the world,” and for deployment to Latvia in April and May to bolster the brigade there.
“This was high-intensity combat training with live munitions.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney told a news conference it was one of the worst tragedies on Canadian soil in peacetime.
“The nation is in mourning for those brave members of our armed forces who we have lost,” Carney said, adding that, to honour them, flags on all federal buildings will be flown at half-mast.
The Royal Canadian Air Force dispatched seven Griffon helicopters from Edmonton, and one Hercules aircraft from Winnipeg.
Ten search-and-rescue technicians parachuted from the Hercules onto a field in Wainwright, a town of about 6,500 people, about 200 km east of Edmonton, near the Saskatchewan border.
The non-profit charity, STARS, or Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service, dispatched air ambulances from Edmonton and Saskatoon, and nearby towns sent ground ambulances to assist in the transfer of the injured.
Investigators with the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service are en route to Wainwright, and the RCMP have offered investigative support, the memo states, adding that the process of casualty confirmation and next-of-kin notification has begun.
Maj.-Gen. Wade Rutland told reporters on Sunday afternoon that Sgt. Morgan Wong of Edmonton, Pte. Shaun Farrell of Prince Albert, Sask., Pte. Aidan Goulding of North Vancouver, B.C., and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark of Langley, B.C., had died. Their families have been notified.
“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those we lost and with the injured members still receiving care,” Rutland said during a news conference. “We stand with the teammates, friends, and units affected by this terrible tragedy. The well-being of our people is our highest priority.”
Dozens more were injured in the incident.
In a post on Facebook, Prince Albert, Sask., resident Patricia Farrell confirmed her son Shaun was among those killed in Saturday’s incident.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our son, Shaun Farrell, has passed away to be with our heavenly father,” she wrote on Facebook. “We want to thank everyone for your love, support, and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
Farrell asked for privacy as the family grieves.
All four members were serving at CFB Edmonton with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry, and participating in a training exercise at Wainwright.
“(It was) to prepare for two roles, to become what’s called our global response task force, ready to move within hours to any hotspot around the world,” Rutland said, adding it was also to prepare to go to Latvia in April and May to bolster the brigade there. “So this was high intensity combat training with live munitions.”
Rutland said during the training, a grass fire ignited in the training area. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway, but uncommonly strong winds caused it to spread rapidly and change direction towards the range administrative area.
Military and civilian emergency services responded to control the fire, which the Municipal District of Wainwright said was being held as of late night Saturday.
Environment Canada had issued a warning of high winds for Alberta earlier in the day, with a windstorm hitting large areas of the province. Gusts reached up to 100 km/h, toppling trees, sending signs flying, and rolling garbage cans down streets.
Asked about the weather conditions, Rutland said forces train in all types of conditions and never know what environment they’ll face. But while the majority of the day saw weather within standard procedures, when the incident occurred the weather “was uncommon, rapid, and I certainly hadn’t seen anything like it.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also spoke at the news conference and provided more details on the dozens of people injured in the incident.
She said 39 patients were being cared for in hospital, and at least 19 were in critical condition.
Dr. Warren Thirsk, an emergency department physician at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, said doctors were notified of the mass injuries within an hour and 15 minutes of the fire and implemented a “Code Orange” for what he called a one-in-every-15-to-20-year event.
During a Code Orange, “Hospitals do their best to organize and clear space for an influx of patients beyond normal,” said Thirsk, also president of the Alberta Medical Association’s emergency medicine section.
In this case, emergency workers knew there would be numerous burn patients.
The University of Alberta Hospital has a burn unit, so patients were transferred from the U of A to other hospitals in the city to free up space.
As the only other trauma centre in Edmonton, all emergency patients from both inside and outside the city were directed to the Royal Alex.
Eleven emergency room doctors immediately volunteered to come into the hospital, as did other specialists, in response to the disaster, he said.
Even though the Code Orange was stepped down Sunday afternoon, Thirsk said, “there are still people fighting for their lives in intensive care units right now in the city of Edmonton and perhaps elsewhere, and they need our thoughts and prayers.”
Cathy Keane, a mayoral candidate in Oro-Medonte, Ont., said in a social media post Sunday morning that her eldest son was among those injured.
“Overnight, our family received the devastating news that our eldest son is among the military personnel critically injured in the incident in Wainwright,” Keane said.
She went on to say while she’s staying in the mayoral race, she was was travelling to Alberta to be with her son and family and would be unable to continue door-knocking for the remainder of the campaign.
“We are grateful for the kindness and support of our friends and community,” Keane said.
Within the past 24 hours, patients were transferred from the Wainwright Health Centre to four facilities, the University of Alberta Hospital, the Royal Alexandra Hospital, the Foothills Medical Centre, and the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre.
—with files from Charles Rusnell and Global News’ Jeff Semple, Karen Bartko and Ashleigh Stewart
RELATED: How breaking away from Canada could impact Alberta mortgages
More than a million people have already voted in the Alberta referendum that asks fundamental questions about the province’s future, preliminary numbers show.
Elections Alberta says a total of 1,356,873 votes were cast between Oct. 13 and Oct. 17 through advance and special ballots. That’s compared to 809,988 votes cast at the same point during the 2023 provincial election campaign.
Broken down further, the agency says a total of 837,791 votes were cast at advance voting locations, with 519,082 special ballots mailed in.
By comparison, 758,637 advance votes were cast in 2023 and 51,351 special ballots. The agency notes special ballot totals from 2023 are “not directly comparable” to the referendum, as they weren’t available to all eligible electors and weren’t required to be received by mail.
There were a total of 3,148,343 eligible electors for the referendum, with the agency saying 43 per cent cast their ballot during the advance voting period. Only 27.5 per cent did so during the same period in the 2023 election.
A recent poll conducted exclusively for Global News by Ipsos shows proceeding to a binding vote on separation still draws little support.
The poll suggested seven in 10 Albertans planned to vote for Alberta to remain a province of Canada, holding steady from previous polling conducted last month.
The proportion of voters who said they would vote for Alberta to begin the legal process of holding a binding referendum on separation increased three percentage points from September to 23 per cent.
That support is highest among men (27 per cent), those aged 35 to 54 (27 per cent) and those living outside Calgary and Edmonton (29 per cent).
Premier Danielle Smith has said that if voting goes the way polling suggests, she expects everyone to accept it and move on. Leaders of the independence movement contest that.
While separation is one of the questions on the ballot, nine others are related to immigration and the constitution.
A previous poll conducted for Global News in September found a strong majority (76 per cent) of Albertans were aware there were several questions in the upcoming referendum. Eighty-one per cent of Albertans said they planned to vote in the referendum with, 62 per cent saying they will vote on all 10 questions.
How do I watch the results?
Global News will have in-depth team coverage on both broadcast and streaming online.
Anchors Dallas Flexhaug and Carole Anne Devaney will be joined by veteran political reporter and Ottawa bureau chief David Akin for results analysis, along with insights from a political panel hosted by anchor Blake Lough, and reporters on the ground.
From 8 p.m. MT to midnight, our Decision Alberta Referendum 2026 coverage will air on Globalnews.ca, as well as on YouTube and our Global TV app that is available on streaming services Prime Video, Apple TV, Roku, and select smart TVs.
Starting at 9 p.m., the special will also begin airing live on all Global News stations in Alberta.
—with files from Global News’ Rachel Morgan, Jace Maki and Karen Bartko
The precision of Ipsos polls containing online data is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the overall poll of 801 Albertans is accurate to within +/- 4.2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, had all adult Alberta residents been polled. The credibility interval will be wider among subsets of the population. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error, and measurement error.
A preliminary investigation into the deadly fire at CFB Wainwright suggests a munition from a live training exercise sparked a fast-moving grass fire, causing Saturday’s explosion, according to multiple military sources.
Patients were rushed from Wainwright to hospitals in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer. On Sunday afternoon health officials said 19 were in life-threatening condition, eight were stable, and 12 were not seriously injured enough to be admitted to hospital and were being treated as outpatients.
Here are the latest developments (all times local to Alberta):
4:45 p.m.
Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, speaking to reporters in Wainwright, says he’s hearing about incredible acts of bravery as a devastating fire ripped through the nearby military base.
He says some soldiers ran toward the danger to help and are now paying the price, fighting for their lives in hospital.
He’s asking everyone to pray for Wainwright.
Poilievre represents the area as part of the Battle River—Crowfoot riding.
4 p.m.
The military says soldiers killed and injured while training at CFB Wainwright were caught up in a sudden windstorm that overwhelmed them with fire moving at unbelievable speeds.
Maj.-Gen Wade Rutland says a grass fire had been burning for a while but was considered far enough away and contained so that training could continue.
He says when the storm kicked up, flames moved a kilometre in about 30 seconds and overwhelmed the soldiers.
Premier Danielle Smith says alongside the four who died, 39 are in various hospitals and 19 of those are in critical condition.
Rutland says officials are not sure how the fire started and it could be weeks before that’s determined.
Commander of the 1st Canadian Division, Major-General L. W. Rutland, left, and National Defence Minister David McGuinty, centre, listen as Alberta Premiere Danielle Smith addresses the fatal incident at CFB Wainwright in Alberta, in Edmonton, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026.
James Maclennan/ The Canadian Press
3:30 p.m.
Maj.-Gen. Wade Rutland, commander of the 1st Canadian Division has identified the four soldiers killed in the fire at CFB Wainwright.
They are: Sgt. Morgan Wong of Edmonton; Private Shaun Farrell of Prince Albert, Sask.; Private Aidan Goulding of North Vancouver, and Private Hayden Lykkemark of Langley, B.C.
2 p.m.
The head of the European Commission is sending condolences to Canada.
Ursula von der Leyen says on social media that she is saddened by the tragedy at CFB Wainwright.
She writes on the platform X: “My deepest condolences to the families of the service members who lost their lives.”
The commission is the executive branch of the European Union, which is a political and economic union of 27 member states.
1:35 p.m.
Alberta health officials say they have ended the Code Orange alert that was invoked Saturday night for some hospitals in Edmonton and elsewhere.
Code Orange is a call for hospitals to essentially clear the decks, find staff and free up beds as necessary to handle a mass casualty incident.
The province says its response to Saturday’s fire involved 22 ground ambulances, six planes and two helicopters, and included help from Saskatchewan.
The patients in Wainwright have now been moved to four hospitals: two hospitals in Edmonton, one in Red Deer and one in Calgary.
1:30 p.m.
Gil McGowan, organizer of a pro-Canada rally currently underway at the legislature in Edmonton, says the Wainwright tragedy “hangs like a real dark cloud” over the event.
McGowan, the head of the Alberta Federation of Labour, says the way first responders from around Canada selflessly stepped up to offer aid is a poignant reminder of why Canada is better united.
Albertans vote Monday on whether the province should stay in Canada or whether it’s time to hold a second, binding referendum on leaving Confederation.
Polls of Albertans before Premier Danielle Smith called the referendum and since then have indicated strong support to stay in Canada.
12:30 p.m.
Wainwright Mayor Bruce Pugh, in an interview, says he knew something was wrong Saturday afternoon when the regular window-rattling boom of artillery that inaugurates the start of military training exercises at CFB Wainwright suddenly fell silent.
Immediately after, he says, there were sirens and the sound of helicopters racing in.
He says that just before midnight military medical personnel literally dropped from the sky to help, their red parachutes illuminated by flare lights.
Bruce Pugh the mayor of Wainwright Alta., talks on the phone at his home on Sunday, Oct.18, 2026.
John Ulan/ The Canadian Press
11 a.m.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has issued a statement calling the fire at CFB Wainwright “heartbreaking.”
She paid tribute to the health workers that managed the tragedy.
She says the province has convened its emergency management cabinet committee to co-ordinate the response.
10:35 a.m.
The prime minister says he has asked the military to give the public a detailed account of what is known about the fire so far.
Mark Carney says that will be later today in Alberta, with Defence Minister David McGuinty, Eleanor Olszewski, the minister of emergency preparedness, and Maj.-Gen. Wade Rutland, commander of the 1st Canadian Division.
He says they will be joined by provincial ministers and senior officials.
10: 30 a.m.
Prime Minister Mark Carney confirms four military members were killed and dozens more were injured in the fire.
Carney called the fire “violent” and fast-moving.
10:15 a.m.
The NATO Military Committee is sending its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims at CFB Wainwright.
It says in a statement that Wainwright is where so many Canadian soldiers and allies have trained for the hardest tasks of the profession.
It says those killed served “our common security” and that the committee will honour their memory.
10 a.m.
The United States Ambassador to Canada says his “heart is heavy” for the Canadian Armed Forces community.
Pete Hoekstra says on social media that he’s praying for the families of those who died and for the full recovery of the service members injured.
9:45 a.m.
Prime Minister Mark Carney says in a social media post that Canadian flags will be flown at half-mast at federal buildings across the country.
He says Canada stands with the service members at CFB Wainwright and their families.
Carney is expected to make a statement later today.
9:30 a.m.
The Armed Forces say there’s no indication the fire that erupted at an Alberta military base, resulting in deaths and injuries, was the result of terrorist activity.
A spokesperson also says in an email that the incident at CFB Wainwright remains under investigation and that more information will be provided as it becomes available.
9 a.m.
Defence Minister David McGuinty says in a social media post that he’s on his way to Edmonton.
He says he’s being briefed on the latest developments in the “terrible incident” at CFB Wainwright.
He says: “To the families and everyone in Wainwright: Canada stands with you.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to make a statement later today.
With files from Karen Bartko and Jeff Semple, Global News
RELATED: Anger grows, protests turn violent across France, Europe
French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday voiced the public’s “anger” and “shame” over rioting and looting during nationwide protests against rising living costs and poor conditions in schools. At least 2,400 people were arrested.
Macron echoed other government officials in blaming much of the violence on far-left activists, accusing them of attacking police and public buildings to foment chaos.
“Those who looted will have to pay for the damage, and those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable,” Macron said in a televised address to the nation.
He denounced “unrestrained violence” by “insurrectionist elements from radical far-left groups, joined by numerous criminals.”
Macron earlier held an emergency meeting with senior government officials, a day after masked groups set fires and attacked city halls in several cities. He said he had instructed prefects to work with mayors to protect public buildings and businesses in the coming weeks, including by banning protests when necessary.
Flames engulfed the 19th-century City Hall in the city of Limoges, in central France, causing its roof to collapse and nearly destroying the building.
New tensions erupted in Paris on Sunday
In Paris, hundreds of protesters gathered again on Sunday at the Place de la République amid a heavy police presence. Officers used tear gas as tensions flared sporadically in the neighborhood, with small groups of people trying to set bicycles and trash bins on fire.
“The right to protest is a fundamental right. Deliberately and collectively sowing disorder through violence is not,” Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez wrote on X, citing the looting of hundreds of businesses across the country.
Authorities estimated Saturday’s marches had a turnout of about 550,000, while organizers put it at 800,000. Demonstrators answered calls from a labor union, student organizations and activists hoping to revive the “yellow vest” movement, which emerged in 2018 to protest social injustice.
Mass protests in France are often marred by violence on the fringes of otherwise peaceful marches, leading to clashes with police. The arrest tally reported Sunday approached the nearly 2,000 recorded nationwide during a single day of yellow vest protests in December 2018.
Paris police said one person died of a heart attack, without providing details. The Paris prosecutor’s office said it was investigating.
Parisians deplore shattered shops and a damaged square
Dislodged cobblestones, shattered storefronts and broken glass littered the area around Paris’ Place de la République on Sunday. Looting and damage were also reported in other tourist and shopping districts.
Paris police said 855 people were arrested in the capital region. Prosecutors said 557 remained in police custody.
“I am actually stunned by the level of destruction and violence that was expressed,” said government employee Marie Peyreigne, 57, wondering what had led to the mayhem.
Parisians inspecting the damage photographed the partially dismantled base of the square’s central monument, a statue of Marianne, a symbol of France.
Jean Foissy, 74, said he had wanted to join the protest but encountered “a wall of riot police and fires everywhere” and returned home.
“I was very scared,” he said. “I’ve been a Parisian since I was born, so when I got here, it almost made me want to cry because I find it so bad, it hurts me.”
Margaux Eude, 26, said she supported the protest movement but “didn’t think it would escalate like this.”
“It’s the troublemakers who came, and it breaks my heart because it delegitimizes the movement,” she said.
Political leaders trade blame ahead of presidential election
Political leaders traded accusations over Saturday’s violence ahead of next spring’s presidential election.
Far-right leader and presidential hopeful Marine Le Pen criticized Macron’s centrist government as “exhausted, disoriented and seemingly incapable of doing anything other than commenting on its own powerlessness,” in a video posted on social media.
Far-left contender Jean-Luc Mélenchon accused Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu of “playing with fire,” alleging that “by banking on degradation, you have only succeeded in uniting all youths and workers’ unions.”
Mélenchon, who joined the Paris march Saturday, insisted that “my message is clear: those who share our fight have no business in looting or destruction.”
U.S. President Donald Trump posted “France is burning!” on his Truth Social platform, apparently linking the unrest to “the immigration of people from an entirely different world.”
“Close your Borders and take control, before it is too late!” he wrote.
French authorities and police have not linked immigrants to the rioting. Macron, speaking about troublemakers, asked: “How can French people do this to France?”
Hundreds of businesses looted across the country
“The scale of the damage is considerable and unprecedented,” Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire wrote in an open letter. “Paris is a city of freedoms, debate and demonstrations. It must remain so. But it must also be a city where everyone can work and run a business safely.”
The mayors of Paris, Marseille and Lyon, the three largest cities, requested a meeting with the prime minister in the coming days “given the extent of the damage and the seriousness of the situation.”
In Marseille, some protesters briefly forced their way into City Hall’s lobby and a group of people wearing hoods and masks damaged a police station. In Lyon, a fire broke out inside a tourist office.
In Limoges, the City Hall was ravaged by flames after “radical troublemakers” broke in while elected officials, employees, security personnel and members of the public were inside, Haute-Vienne prefect Maurice Barate said. “They deliberately set the building on fire. It is an extremely serious and unspeakable act,” he said.
In eastern France, the Mulhouse prosecutor’s office said an investigation has been opened after a 17-year-old girl was injured during the protests and lost an eye. On Saturday, another investigation was opened after a young protester lost a hand in Saint-Etienne.
The injuries come as police have drawn sharp scrutiny over their use of grenades and other riot-control weapons during recent demonstrations.
A routine training exercise for Edmonton-based soldiers preparing to deploy overseas swiftly descended into chaos on a central Alberta military base — leaving four men dead, 19 others clinging to life and several more injured with severe burns.
“This was uncommon, rapid, and I certainly hadn’t seen anything like it,” Maj.-Gen. Wade Rutland, Commander of 1st Canadian Division, said during an update Sunday on the fatal fire at CFB Wainwright, located about 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.
The town of Wainwright following multiple deaths after a fire at CFB Wainwright Alta., on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026.
John Ulan/ The Canadian Press
About 350 troops with the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Infantry (3PPCLI) were participating in exercises at CFB Wainwright — one of Canada’s busiest military training bases, used mainly to train soldiers and prepare units for combat operations — when disaster struck.
“I spoke to my commander on the ground,” Rutland said.
“They saw no fire and then, there was a fire right on top of them.”
On Saturday, savage winds had been racing through the province, toppling trees, knocking out power, slamming signs, and sending garbage cans and other debris skittering down alleys and roads.
Environment Canada wind warnings advised gusts up to 100 km/h were expected in the afternoon.
The burn area on CFB Wainwright south of the town Wainwright Alta., on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. Four people have been killed and numerous others injured.
John Ulan/ The Canadian Press
Rutland said a nearby grass fire was known well beforehand but not considered a threat.
“We train in all types of conditions, because you don’t know where you’re going to operate,” he said.
The training exercises in Wainwright served two purposes, Rutland said.
“To become what’s called our ‘global response task force,’ ready to move within hours (to) any hotspot around the world — preparatory training. Also, they were preparing to go to Latvia in April and May to bolster our brigade.”
“So this was high-intensity combat training with live munitions.”
The flames were about a kilometre away and considered sufficiently under control that training exercises were allowed to take place nearby on Saturday afternoon.
The burn area on CFB Wainwright south of the town Wainwright Alta., on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. Four people have been killed and numerous others injured.
John Ulan/ The Canadian Press
Rutland said the affected unit was Charlie Company of the 3rd Battalion of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
He said when the fire hit, the 84-member company was doing two exercises. Most were throwing hand grenades on a range while 10 soldiers were doing a simulated attack on an enemy, when they found themselves suddenly caught in the path of the roaring fire.
A violent, sudden surge of wind sent the flames racing over the Prairie landscape at lightning speed, landing right on top of the soldiers, Rutland said.
“The fire was a kilometre away when the wind shifted. It is not normal for a fire to move a kilometre in 30-to-60 seconds.”
After overwhelming the soldiers, the blaze then jumped the base fence and threatened nearby rural areas and the town of Wainwright.
Four soldiers from CFB Edmonton killed
The four soldiers killed have been identified as: Sgt. Morgan Wong, Pte. Shaun Farrell, Pte. Aida Goulding and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark.
Wong was from Edmonton and a member of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. The other three were all members of 3PPCLI and while based at the Edmonton Garrison, hailed from either side of Alberta: Farrell called Prince Albert, Sask. home while Goulding hailed from North Vancouver and Lykkemark from Langley in B.C.’s Lower Mainland.
The fire sent 39 other troops to hospital, 19 of whom on Sunday afternoon were in critical condition.
“The loss of life and injuries are heartbreaking,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said when she announced the casualty count and confirmed many have serious burns.
“For those patients and their families, this is far from over. We know that the road ahead, especially for those who are suffering from severe burn injuries, will be long — requiring weeks and months of intensive and specialized care.”
The wounded are being cared for in four hospitals: the University of Alberta and Royal Alexandra in Edmonton, Foothills in Calgary and the regional hospital in Red Deer.
Bruce Pugh the mayor of Wainwright Alta., talks on the phone at his home on Sunday, Oct.18, 2026.
John Ulan/ The Canadian Press
Bruce Pugh, Wainwright’s mayor, said he regularly hears the booming sound of artillery and cannons being launched during training from the base, so he didn’t think much when his windows rattled Saturday afternoon.
“But what was different was that everything went silent after the rattle,” Pugh said in an interview at his home, about five kilometres from the base.
“After that, we have friends who are physicians, nurses, (who) were hearing through personal channels that everybody was being called to help with a mass casualty event.”
Moments later, he recounted, came the sound of sirens and helicopters.
Emergency resources from across Alberta and beyond sprang into action Saturday evening.
“When crisis hit, Alberta’s front-line heroes did not hesitate for a single second,” Smith said.
The premier said 30 emergency units, including 22 ground ambulances and eight medevac aircraft, were deployed directly into Wainwright.
The Saskatchewan government also sent a medevac plane to ferry the wounded from Wainwright to Edmonton.
Bright flares lit up the night sky over Wainwright as Royal Canadian Air Force search and rescue technicians leapt from military aircraft and parachuted into the community.
A person parachutes near the Wainwright Health Centre as injured military members are treated after a fire at CFB Wainwright, outside of Wainwright, Alta., on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026.
John Ulan/ The Canadian Press
Rutland said the paratroopers were deployed as part of the overall response to get more capacity on the ground quickly.
“They’re stationed all across the country. They’re highly skilled, highly trained. They jump onto Arctic ice flows and they can certainly jump into Wainwright.”
Several hospitals declared a Code Orange, triggered when a mass casualty incident or external disaster has occurred and many injured patients are expected to arrive all at once.
“We are deeply grateful to the first responders, paramedics, physicians, nurses, and hospital teams across Alberta who have mobilized to provide care to those injured,” Smith said.
“Albertans should all be incredibly proud of their frontline health-care workers and our acute care system that has managed this mass casualty event.
“Under immense pressure and in the face of deep heartbreak, they delivered rapid life-saving care and made sure that at no time was our emergency health system overwhelmed.”
What sparked the fire is not yet known; Rutland said there were many things happening on the field that afternoon.
“There was a multitude of ordinances moving through the Wainwright training area yesterday: grenade launcher, grenades, small arms, ammunition.
“Quite frankly, it could have been any of that or none of it.”
An investigation is now underway and Rutland said there is a lot to consider: Did the fire move that quickly because of the wind? Or did it move unseen through foliage to surprise the soldiers? Or was it both?
“This is why we’re going to do a complete investigation as to the topography, field conditions, foliage, etc., because it all plays into what happened,” he said.
There are oil and gas operations and infrastructure on several of Alberta’s vast military bases. While multiple military sources on Saturday night told Global News the live-fire training exercise was believed to have hit a gas line or gas well on the base, causing an explosion, Rutland said he didn’t believe that was the case.
“When this happens, we send the team in to look at the oil and gas infrastructure, to make sure it’s not damaged. Initial impression is it’s not, but we will definitely check.”
Rutland spoke at a news conference with Smith and Defence Minister David McGuinty.
McGuinty said those affected were soldiers and reservists from across the country.
“This loss reaches communities in every province,” he said.
Where is CFB Wainwright and what surrounds it?
CFB Wainwright is considered one of the CAF’s busiest bases and is used to train Canada’s military and prepare units for combat operations.
It’s considered, according to retired Maj.-Gen. David Fraser, “as real as it can be” in preparing soldiers for combat operations.
The base is home to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, and approximately 12 lodger units.
Fraser told The Canadian Press training at the base involves more than just weapons training, with exercises covering everything in the CAF’s arsenal from firearms and aircraft to artillery and armoured vehicles.
Exercises are organized and methodical and Fraser says something went wrong at CFB Wainwright, adding those who undergo this training are well-versed in safety procedures. Safety staff also oversee every exercise.
The safety manual is “quite large,” Rutland confirmed.
“It’s the military, which is a government organization, so we have a protocol for everything,” he said.
According to the Government of Canada, more than 200 active gas wells and associated pipelines can be found in the CFB Wainwright area.
The area is also known for livestock grazing and recreational hunting, which has been allowed for more than four decades at the base.
The base is about 609 square-kilometres in size and located about 205 kilometres southeast of Edmonton and found within one kilometre of the town of Wainwright.
Is this the CAF’s most tragic training incident?
Earlier Sunday in Ottawa, Prime Minister Mark Carney called the Wainwright disaster one of the “worst tragedies for the (Armed Forces) on Canadian soil in peacetime.”
Prior to Saturday’s explosion and fire, the Canadian Armed Forces had seen other deadly domestic events.
The most recent occurred in July, when a three-person rope team was performing a rescue exercise at the time of the incident.
The three members fell into a crevasse in Jasper National Park, dropping about 20 metres. The three were responsive and stable and flown to hospital after being rescued.
One of the deadliest training exercises that happened on Canadian soil was in 1988 at CFB Chilliwack.
Students were practicing explosive cratering in the demolition phase of their military engineer officer training when a charge detonated prematurely during a session.
According to the Canadian Military Engineers Association, 29 students and seven instructors were in attendance. Six students were killed and several others were injured.
A coroner’s inquest and board of inquiry concluded the a hotspot developed inside the camouflet tube, triggered by friction and heat generated when the tamping rod was used with excessive force.
The hotspot likely ignited a blockage, causing a small detonation that then triggered the main charge. The incident was ruled as accidental.
From Vitruvi to Honeywell, to Dyson and more, keep your space feeling crisp and clean.
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A humidifier isn’t just an appliance – it’s a quiet companion that makes home feel alive. Every morning, gentle mist drifts into the air, softening the dryness that sneaks in, especially during winter. The subtle hum is oddly comforting, a reminder that self-care can be as simple as breathing easier.
Taking a moment to enjoy the perfectly balanced air is a small but meaningful ritual. Whether reading, working, or winding down in the evening, it transforms space, making it feel cozier and calmer. It’s more than just humidity—it’s a little daily act of care, a quiet luxury.
From small portable models to larger units for the whole home, the right humidifier can make your environment more comfortable and healthier for the whole family. Read on to find your perfect match.
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Say hello to clean, fresh air with this Dyson air purifier-humidifier hybrid. It’s a premium all‑in‑one air purifier and cool‑mist humidifier that uses HEPA H13 and activated carbon filtration to capture 99.97% of tiny pollutants while also automatically maintaining comfortable humidity and cooling your room. Its hygienic UV water treatment and smart sensors make it great for large rooms or anyone who wants advanced air quality and humidity control in one unit.[/product_listing]
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The Vitruvi Cloud Humidifier is perfect for home-decor lovers with its minimalist design and whisper-quiet operation. Its an ultrasonic cool-mist humidifier with a 1.5 L tank that covers up to 602 ft² for 24 hours, featuring a 360° adjustable spout, night mode, and automatic shutoff. The filter removes minerals from tap water, while the removable, dishwasher-safe reservoir ensures easy cleaning and maintenance.[/product_listing]
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Say goodbye to dry air with this highly-rated bestselling humidifier — its 2.5-liter tank delivers soothing mist, helping you and your little ones sleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed. Its easy top-fill design, adjustable 360° nozzle, customizable mist control, auto shut-off, and BPA-free construction make it safe, convenient, and simple to clean while keeping your space comfortably humidified.[/product_listing]
Best smart
If you love smart home features, the Dreo humidifier offers app, voice, and touch controls, precise humidity sensing, and ultrafine mist that spreads evenly, ensuring healthier air for babies, plants, and your entire home.[/product_listing]
Best for large spaces
Need something that will take care of the whole house? The LEVOIT 10L Smart Cool Mist Humidifier keeps your entire home comfortably hydrated for up to 100 hours, with smart controls, whisper-quiet operation, and an aroma box.[/product_listing]
Say goodbye to dry air. This compact cool air humidifier from Honeywell is easy to use, easy to clean, and even has an essential oil tray for a burst of extra relaxation. With a 1.9L tank, it has a 24 hours run time and is ideal for smaller rooms.[/product_listing]
Best portable
This petite humidifier may be small, but don’t let its size fool you—it delivers continuous, soothing mist while operating quietly. Its compact design, simple controls, and auto shut-off make it ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, or any personal space that needs a bit of extra fresh air.[/product_listing]
Best for quiet spaces
The DREO Humidifier is ideal for quiet spaces, thanks to its sleep mode that reduces noise while maintaining consistent, even humidity throughout the room. Its 6L tank, precise smart controls and gentle ultrasonic mist create a calm environment perfect for bedrooms, nurseries, or any space where peace is a priority.[/product_listing]
Best for nurseries
The AquaOasis™ Cool Mist Humidifier (2.2L) uses ultrasonic technology to quietly deliver soothing mist for bedrooms, nurseries, and large rooms up to 400 sq ft, featuring a 360° rotating nozzle and adjustable mist settings. Its 2.2 L tank provides over 24 hours of continuous operation with auto-shutoff, making it safe and convenient for babies and whole-house use.[/product_listing]
Helen Liang shows us how to make a recipe passed down from her mother.
Global News
Helen’s Kiwi Pavlova
4 egg whites
1 cup sugar
1 small tsp vanilla
1 small tsp cornflour
1 small tsp vinegar
Beat egg whites until stiff; add sugar slowly and continue beating until very stiff.
Stir together vanilla, cornflour, and vinegar in a cup and then stir into egg white mixture.
Place parchment on a cookie sheet and pile the mixture on top, shaping it into a circle (with a spatula or spoon) creating a slight indentation in the center.
Bake one hour at 200 degrees F.
Let cool completely.
Serve topped generously with whipping cream and sliced, ripe kiwi fruit.
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