P.E.I. Mother Finds Support After Deadly Wainwright Fire

Support from fellow military families helped a Prince Edward Island mother cope with uncertainty after a deadly fire struck Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Lynn Bradley's son, Cpl. Ryan Bradley, was training at the base when the incident killed four soldiers and injured dozens of others, according to CBC News.

Bradley was at home in Cornwall, P.E.I., when she learned about the fire. After missing a call from her son the previous night, she tried calling him back but could not reach him, prompting immediate fears about his safety.

Bradley described her initial reaction during an interview with CBC's Island Morning on Tuesday.

"I had panicked immediately because I knew that that is where my son was," Bradley told Island Morning.

Her son was safe, but the incident made her confront the dangers associated with military service, including during training exercises. She said she had not anticipated such risks while he was attending a course at the Alberta base.

"I was just so grateful that he was OK.… I wasn't prepared really for any risk because he was there on a training course."

Bradley said her son described the atmosphere at the base the morning after the fire as somber. He was trying to determine whether friends he had trained with were among those affected while also preparing for an exam scheduled for Monday.

Although relieved that her son had survived, Bradley remained mindful of families awaiting information about their loved ones and those mourning soldiers who had died. She contacted the Military Family Resource Centre and connected with other mothers whose children serve in the military.

The conversations gave her an opportunity to share her fears with people familiar with the uncertainty experienced by military families.

"Just knowing that we can speak freely and rely on each other is a source of great comfort."

Bradley said the experience had changed how she viewed the risks faced by service members. Her son remains at CFB Wainwright and has told her that he still has responsibilities to fulfill despite the tragedy.

She expressed renewed appreciation for his commitment to the Canadian Armed Forces and the resilience he has shown following the incident.

"I’ve always been proud of my son. I think now more than ever to see how resilient and dedicated he is to the Canadian military," Bradley said.

She also described the fire as a moment that highlighted the dangers military personnel accept while serving their country.

"It was a reality check in what our service members currently do and the risks that they put themselves at to serve our country."

Bradley is looking forward to visiting her son in Petawawa, Ont., at Christmas. She said he is eager to return home and spend time with his family, including his young daughter.

"He is excited to return home to Petawawa and see his family and snuggle with my granddaughter, and I'm sure it will be an extra special snuggle this time around," Bradley said.

She said she particularly looks forward to seeing her son in person after the frightening experience.

"I just can’t wait to physically hug him."