Satellite images reveal Wainwright, Alta., fire devastation

Charred landscape following deadly blaze can be seen from space Graeme Bruce · CBC News · Posted: Oct 20, 2026 PM EDT | Last Updated: October 20 Play article Estimated 2 minutes The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results. The burned area on CFB Wainwright on Monday. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press) The charred land where a blaze ripped through a portion of CFB Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday, claiming the lives of four service members and injuring dozens of others, can be seen from space. Images from Planet Labs shows the extent of the fire, which was fuelled at least in part . Environment Canada had issued a wind alert that morning and the fire danger index in the area was deemed extreme . The images show a burnt area of roughly 10 square kilometres on Sunday, one day after the blaze was first reported. The general area of the base where the fire began is referred to as a "permanent danger area" by OpenStreetMap, a widely used geographic database maintained by volunteers. On Sunday, the Municipal District of Wainwright reported the fire was being held. Canadian Armed Forces Maj.-Gen. Wade Rutland, inaugural commander of the revitalized 1st Canadian Division, told reporters Sunday that the fire began as a grass fire and spread rapidly around 4 p. m. as the wind direction changed.  That day, soldiers were throwing hand grenades on a grenade range, he said, while others were conducting a "section attack," in which 10 soldiers attack a simulated enemy. Edmonton sergeant killed in CFB Wainwright fire remembered as volunteer leader, mentor Conditions for wildfire were 'extreme' at Wainwright Saturday, experts say Sask. soldier killed in CFB Wainwright fire mourned in Prince Albert 'Not out of the woods': Family rallies around soldier badly burned in CFB Wainwright fire With files from Wendy Martinez, Elizabeth Thompson CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices·About CBC News Corrections and clarifications·Submit a news tip·Report error