Wainwright, Alberta: A major fire at a Canadian military base in Alberta has killed and injured a number of people. Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed that people were killed and injured in a serious incident that caused a fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright.
What happened
The RCMP said officers were called shortly after 4 p.m. on Saturday after reports of a fire in a training area at the base. The local municipal district said the fire spread rapidly in high winds and crossed the base fence. Crews fought the flames late into the night as strong winds pushed the fire beyond the base and into the surrounding rural area. The nearby town of Wainwright has about 7,000 residents.
Casualties
McGuinty did not give an official toll. Global News, citing unnamed military sources, reported that at least seven people were killed and dozens injured. The same sources described it as an explosion and fire, and Alberta hospitals declared a mass casualty incident. These figures are not officially confirmed.
Official response
McGuinty said the RCMP were involved in investigating and described the situation as “very, very active and delicate.” He said the military and federal government would have more to share in the coming days. He added that the Canadian Armed Forces and federal, provincial and local authorities were coordinating the emergency response.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said a “serious incident” had caused the fire and expressed support for those affected. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the fire significant and tragic, saying it was affecting many military personnel. Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said he had spoken to Carney and McGuinty to offer support.
Cause
The cause has not been established. A Department of National Defence source told CBC there was no indication of terrorism. Speaking in Ottawa, McGuinty said he could not recall a comparable incident in recent memory.