Deaths and injuries after major fire at Alberta military base in Canada
Canada's defence minister says an incident and large fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta has caused deaths and injuries. The cause and number of casualties have not been disclosed.
A serious incident that sparked a large fire at CFB Wainwright, a military training base in the Canadian province of Alberta, has left people dead and injured, Canada's defence minister David McGuinty said on Saturday. The base is one of the busiest training facilities of the Canadian Armed Forces, so many military personnel are affected.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday night, McGuinty described the situation as "active and delicate" and said the fire was being monitored very closely. He said he could not recall a similar incident in recent memory. He gave no casualty figures and did not say what caused the incident.
The Canadian Armed Forces and federal, provincial and local authorities are coordinating the emergency response. The nearby community of Wainwright is providing hospital and firefighting support.
Fire spreading
The Municipal District of Wainwright said the fire crossed the base's fence earlier on Saturday and spread rapidly because of high winds. Firefighters from several jurisdictions are responding, and no evacuation order is in effect.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said on social media that a serious incident creating a major fire had occurred at the base, and expressed sympathy for those affected. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the fire "significant and tragic" and said it was affecting many military personnel. Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said he had spoken with Carney and the defence minister, and urged people in the area to follow emergency instructions and keep roads clear for first responders.
About the base
The base lies about 180 km southeast of Edmonton. Soldiers prepare there for combat operations. It hosts the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, which conducts realistic battlefield exercises, and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, which provides military training.
