'Quiet, independent, strong-willed': B.C. soldier burned at CFB Wainwright faces long recovery, family says - CBC
Pte. Trevor Flegel of Kitimat, B.C., has been identified by family as one of those injured at CFB Wainwright in Alberta after fire tore through the base on Oct. 17, 2026. (Submitted by Kyle Germuth)Social SharingA B.C. soldier severely injured at CFB Wainwright is facing a long road to recovery, his family says.
Pte. Trevor Flegel of Kitimat on the province's North Coast was among the dozens of casualties, including four fatalities, after a fire resulting from a training exercise ripped through the Canadian Armed Forces base in Alberta on Oct. 17.
The 26-year-old suffered severe burns covering close to half his body and underwent extensive surgery while hospitalized in Edmonton, a family spokesperson said. His brother, mother and stepdad are by his side as he is heavily sedated in the intensive burn unit and facing "a long road to recovery."
"Trevor joined the Canadian Armed Forces in February 2024, looking for an opportunity to challenge himself physically and mentally, discover what he was capable of, and experience life beyond his small hometown," his family said in a written statement.
"Quiet, independent, strong-willed and determined, Trevor approaches life on his own terms. His time in the military challenged him in ways he'd never experienced before, helped him grow as a person, while creating lifelong friendships with his military brothers."
Pte. Trevor Flegel of Kitimat, B.C., spends much of his recreation time outdoors, his family says. He was planning to return home in January, in part, to get closer to the mountains and oceans of his youth. (Submitted by Kyle Germuth)
They said he was planning to return home in January "to start the next chapter of his life, closer to family, friends, and the mountains, backroads and ocean he's missed so much."
An online fundraiser set up by one of Flegel's friends to help cover his family's travel costs and time away from work has raised more than $70,000 as of Tuesday evening.
Multiple investigations are underwayΒ to figure out how exactly the fire happened and what should have been done differently to protect those at the base. Investigators are trying to determine what exactly caused the fire and why training was allowed to continue for hours after it started, officials say.
In their statement, his family says they are "incredibly grateful" for the support they have received from across Canada and "deeply thankful for the incredible medical team" caring for Flegel.
They also expressed their thankfulness to members of the armed forces who have shared stories about Flegel with them.
"They've given us a glimpse into his life in the military, while reminding us that no matter where he lives or what he is doing, Trevor is still the same person; Whether he is in his fatigues on the base or out riding his dirtbike with his friends."
