A major fire at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright in Alberta has left several people dead and others injured, prompting a large-scale emergency response from military personnel, firefighters and local authorities, Reuters reported. Canadian officials have confirmed the casualties, but the exact death toll has not yet been disclosed.
National Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed the fatalities and injuries, describing the incident as a tragedy. “I'm saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident,” he said. Prime Minister Mark Carney also expressed his condolences in a social media post, saying, “Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected.”
CFB Wainwright, located about 210 kilometres east of Edmonton, is one of Canada's major military training facilities. The fire spread beyond the base's perimeter fence into the surrounding Municipal District of Wainwright, complicating efforts to contain the blaze.
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Strong winds contributed to the fire's spread, according to local authorities. Firefighters, emergency personnel and medical teams from multiple jurisdictions were deployed to tackle the blaze and limit further damage, the Associated Press reported.
Despite the fire spreading beyond the base, no evacuation orders had been issued at the time of the initial reports. Emergency crews continued working to contain the blaze and assess risks to nearby areas.
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Carney said the federal government was monitoring the situation and coordinating with Alberta officials and local authorities. With the fire still active on Saturday night, the incident raised serious concerns at one of the country's key military installations.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described the incident as “significant and tragic”, saying military personnel had been affected.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), defence officials and other authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. The cause of the fire had not been confirmed in the initial reports.
Further details about the victims, the cause of the blaze and the extent of the damage are expected as the investigation progresses.
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Authorities remain focused on containing the fire, assisting those affected and determining what led to the incident.
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