Fatalities reported at Canadian base as fire spreads beyond fence

People were killed and injured in an incident at a Canadian military base in Alberta, the country’s defense minister said Saturday, as firefighters battled a blaze that had spread beyond the base’s fence. Authorities have not released casualty figures or established what caused the incident or the fire.

The fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, about 112 miles southeast of Edmonton, spread rapidly in high winds, according to the Municipal District of Wainwright. The district said it had crossed the base’s fence. Firefighters from multiple jurisdictions were responding, and no evacuation order was in effect.

“I’m saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base,” Defense Minister David McGuinty said. He described the situation as “very, very active and delicate.” The BBC reported that McGuinty told reporters he could not recall a comparable incident in recent memory.

McGuinty said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were involved in the investigation, according to CBS News. The Canadian Armed Forces were coordinating the emergency response with federal, provincial and local authorities, while the nearby community of Wainwright was providing hospital and firefighting support, CBS News reported.

“We are dealing with a serious incident at CFB Wainwright, and are fully engaged with federal, provincial and local authorities,” Gen. Jennie Carignan, chief of the defense staff for the Canadian Armed Forces, said in a social media post. “Our priority remains the welfare of our members, their families and their community, and my thoughts are with all those affected by this incident.”

It was unclear when the fire began, the BBC reported. The municipal district first posted about it at about 5:30 p.m. local time, according to the BBC. Local authorities urged residents to avoid the area and give emergency vehicles the right of way.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said his thoughts were with “all the brave women and men affected.” He said the federal government was working closely with Alberta and local officials and that he and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith were in close contact.

Smith described the fire as “significant and tragic” and said it was affecting many military personnel. She thanked first responders and those providing care and support. Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said he had spoken with Carney and McGuinty to offer support. “Pray for Wainwright, everyone,” he wrote, urging people nearby to follow emergency instructions and keep roads clear.

CFB Wainwright is one of Canada’s busiest military training bases. It houses the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, which conducts battlefield exercises, and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre. McGuinty said authorities were still working to determine what happened and expected to provide more information.