Casualties have been reported after an incident at one of Canada’s busiest military training bases in Alberta sparked a large fire, Defence Minister David McGuinty said on Saturday.
“I am saddened to confirm that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base,” McGuinty said during a press conference Saturday night.
McGuinty described the situation at CFB Wainwright as “active and delicate,” with the fire being monitored very closely. “I cannot recall an incident like this in recent memory,” he said.
The minister did not provide casualty figures or details about what caused the incident. The Canadian Armed Forces, along with federal, provincial, and local authorities, are coordinating the emergency response, he said. The nearby community of Wainwright is providing hospital and firefighting support.
In an earlier social media post, Prime Minister Mark Carney said: “A serious incident creating a major fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta.”
“Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected,” he said.
The Municipal District of Wainwright said the fire crossed the base’s fence earlier Saturday and was spreading rapidly due to high winds. Firefighters from multiple jurisdictions were responding, and no evacuation order was in effect.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described the fire as “significant and tragic” and said it was affecting many military personnel.
Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, about 180 kilometres southeast of Edmonton, is one of Canada’s busiest military training bases, where soldiers prepare for combat operations. It is home to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, which conducts realistic battlefield exercises, and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, which provides military training.
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative opposition, said he had spoken with Carney and the defence minister to offer support to those affected by the fire.
“Pray for Wainwright, everyone,” Poilievre said in a social media post. He urged people in the area to follow emergency instructions and keep roads clear for first responders.
Neither Carney nor Smith provided details about what caused the fire or whether anyone was injured.
