A fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta has left an unconfirmed number of people dead and injured, federal officials said on Saturday.
Minister of National Defence David McGuinty confirmed the casualties resulting from the incident at the facility, though he did not release casualty numbers or identify the cause. He described the emergency as “very, very active and delicate”.
High winds drove the flames across the perimeter fence of the base earlier on Saturday, causing the blaze to spread rapidly, according to the Municipal District of Wainwright. Crews from several jurisdictions were deployed to battle the flames, and officials stated that no evacuation order was currently in effect.
Emergency response operations are being coordinated across federal, provincial, and municipal levels, alongside the Canadian Armed Forces. The nearby community of Wainwright has opened up its hospital facilities and deployed local firefighting teams to assist, while the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are taking part in the investigation.
Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that a “serious incident” triggered the fire, adding on social media: “Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected.” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the fire significant and tragic, noting that many military personnel were affected, while Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre asked the public to keep roadways clear for emergency teams.
Located approximately 180 kilometres southeast of Edmonton, CFB Wainwright is one of the country's most active training installations where troops undergo combat preparations. The site houses the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre as well as the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, which conducts realistic battlefield exercises.
The incident comes two days before voters in Alberta, a province of roughly five million people, decide whether to initiate legal proceedings toward a binding referendum on separating from Canada. Carney had previously appealed for national unity during his Thanksgiving message the previous week.
