Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) officials have confirmed that an unexploded ordnance (UXO) detonated downrange during routine live-fire training at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Shilo on Saturday, May 6, 2026, prompting an immediate pause in exercises and medical assessments of nearby soldiers.
The incident occurred at approximately 4:00 p.m. Central Daylight Savings Time (CDST) within the CFB Shilo Range and Training Area, a long-established facility in Manitoba known for its historical UXO presence from decades of military activity.
Soldiers from the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (2PPCLI) — the primary infantry unit based at CFB Shilo — were conducting the live-fire training when the detonation took place. According to a statement provided to us by the Department of National Defence Public Affairs Office, “Soldiers in proximity to the explosion were assessed and monitored by medical personnel. Training was paused until the situation was cleared by the range safety officer.”
No injuries have been reported, and the CAF has not released details on the type or origin of the UXO involved.
Automatic investigation underway
CAF policy requires a full investigation into any such range incident to verify that safety protocols were followed. “An incident like this will automatically trigger investigations to ensure safe procedures and appropriate responses were followed,” the Public Affairs response stated. “The investigation is not yet complete, so we cannot comment further.”
The military described the event as “unlikely but possible given the nature of training” at CFB Shilo, which has a well-documented history of UXO risks due to its long use as a training ground.
Context: UXO challenges at Canadian training ranges
Unexploded ordnance remains a persistent hazard at many legacy Canadian Forces ranges, including Shilo. The base’s training areas have seen controlled UXO clearance operations in the past, and the military routinely emphasizes safety briefings for personnel operating in these environments.
Wiretap Media obtained this information directly from the CAF/DND Public Affairs Office in response to media inquiries. If you have additional information about this incident or related training safety concerns at CFB Shilo, contact us confidentially at [your tip line or email].