American Burn Association Expresses Condolences and Offers Support Following Fatal Fire in Alberta

The American Burn Association (ABA) extends its deepest condolences and prayers to the families, loved ones, and colleagues of those who lost their lives, and to all those injured and affected by the devastating fire at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright in Alberta on October 17, 2026. 

Our hearts are with our Canadian friends. The ABA also thanks the first responders and healthcare teams throughout the region who have mobilized to provide urgent, lifesaving care. 

“We’d like to express our solidarity with the members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the families who have lost loved ones, and all those whose lives have been forever changed by this tragedy,” said Leopoldo Cancio, MD, FABA, FACS, FCCM, President of the American Burn Association. “We are especially mindful of those facing the difficult journey of recovery from serious injuries. We also extend our deepest gratitude to all those who have answered the call with skill, dedication, and compassion. In moments like these, we are reminded not only of the devastating impact of burn injuries, but also of the remarkable people who devote their lives to caring for the injured.” 

This tragedy comes at a sobering moment for the international burn care community. Just days ago, burn care professionals gathered at the Canadian Burn Association (CBA) annual conference in Ottawa and subsequently at the International Society for Burn Injuries (ISBI) Congress in Santiago, Chile. Discussions at these gatherings addressed many of the challenges now confronting our Canadian colleagues, including mass-casualty burn incidents, disaster preparedness, communication across healthcare systems, burn surge capacity, and the coordination of specialized personnel, treatment resources, and patient transfers. 

“These conversations remind us how quickly preparation can become action, and how essential our relationships and shared commitment to readiness truly are,” said Ed Dellert, RN, MBA, CAE, FACEHP, Chief Executive Officer of the American Burn Association. “Today, however, our first responsibility is to stand alongside our Canadian colleagues, express our deepest sympathy to those affected, and recognize the extraordinary healthcare professionals caring for the injured. ABA stands ready to support our Canadian colleagues in whatever ways may be helpful.” 

ABA recognizes the longstanding leadership of Canadian burn care professionals in advancing disaster preparedness and strengthening regional, national, and international coordination. Among these colleagues is Danielle Fuchko, CBRN, MN, RN, Clinical Nurse Educator with Alberta Health Services and ABA’s Canadian Region Burn Disaster Coordinator. Her contributions to burn disaster preparedness, including participation in a national burn mass-casualty tabletop exercise at the recent CBA conference (Operation Spark), reflect the importance of sustained collaboration and readiness efforts across healthcare systems. 

ABA also recognizes that recovery from serious burn injuries extends far beyond the initial emergency response. Patients and families face prolonged treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery, supported by dedicated teams whose commitment continues long after the immediate crisis has passed. 

In the weeks and months ahead, there will be important opportunities to reflect on lessons learned and continue strengthening collective disaster readiness. For now, the ABA stands in solidarity with our Canadian colleagues and all those affected by this tragedy. 

Editor’s Note 

For media inquiries or to arrange an interview with an ABA representative, please contact Sue Urbanczyk, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications, at urbanczyk@ameriburn.org .  

About the American Burn Association 

The American Burn Association (ABA) is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injuries through advocacy, education, research, and prevention. Founded in 1967, the ABA supports burn care professionals and organizations and works to advance the quality of burn care worldwide. For more information, visit ameriburn.org .