OTTAWA — A fifth Canadian soldier has died from injuries sustained in the October 17 fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) confirmed in a news release on Saturday, November 14.

Source: National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces, Nov 14, 2026

Private William Douglas Dal Bianco, of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI), died on November 13 while receiving medical care in Ontario, National Defence said. His death raises the toll from one of Canada's most serious peacetime military training incidents to five.

Source: National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces, Nov 14, 2026

The four soldiers who died earlier

Four soldiers were previously identified as having died in the October 17 incident: Sergeant Morgan Wong, of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, serving with 3 PPCLI; Private Shaun Farrell; Private Aidan Goulding; and Private Hayden Lykkemark, Canadian Military Family Magazine reported, summarising the CAF releases.

Source: Canadian Military Family Magazine, Nov 14, 2026

What happened on October 17

On October 17, 2026, at approximately 4 p.m. MDT, members of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group from 3 PPCLI were conducting live-fire training at CFB Wainwright as part of Exercise APOLLO SHOOTER when a fire ignited, National Defence said. High wind speeds enabled the fire to grow and spread very rapidly, overtaking the unit's administrative area.

Source: National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces, Nov 14, 2026

Condolences from the defence leadership

Defence Minister David J. McGuinty extended his deepest condolences to Dal Bianco's family, friends and fellow service members, and said the government remains committed to supporting the families and the CAF community, the release said. Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan said the Forces will honour Dal Bianco's dedicated service and continue to stand with all those affected.

Source: National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces, Nov 14, 2026

Investigation: no new findings announced

The Canadian Forces Military Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the October 17 fire independently of the CAF chain of command, to establish the facts and determine whether any criminal or service offences may have occurred, and a separate Board of Inquiry is also planned, Canadian Military Family Magazine reported. As of the November 14 update, National Defence had not announced any new investigative findings or conclusions.

Source: Canadian Military Family Magazine, Nov 14, 2026

What happens next

Recovery and care continue for the 24 members still in hospital. National Defence listed support lines for affected members and families in its release, including the Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program and the Family Information Line. Further updates are expected from the CAF as the investigations proceed.