A fire with casualties has occurred at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright in the province of Alberta, a member of the Canadian government has confirmed.
Defence Minister David McGuinty said he was "saddened to share that there have been both deaths and injuries as a result of an incident at the base." He did not release a casualty count or the cause of the fire, but described the situation as "very fluid and sensitive."
According to McGuinty, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are taking part in the investigation. The Canadian Armed Forces, along with federal, provincial and local agencies, are coordinating the emergency response, while the nearby community of Wainwright is providing medical and firefighting support.
The Wainwright district authority said the flames had crossed the base perimeter earlier in the day and spread quickly in strong winds. Fire crews from multiple areas have been mobilized, and no evacuation order has been issued so far.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said earlier that a "serious incident" had caused the fire, writing on social media: "Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected."
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the fire "serious and tragic" and said many service members were affected.
Opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said he had spoken with Carney and McGuinty to offer his support, urging people to "pray for Wainwright" and to follow emergency instructions and keep roads clear for responders.
CFB Wainwright, about 180 km southeast of Edmonton, is one of Canada's busiest military training bases, where soldiers prepare for combat operations. It hosts the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre — which runs realistic battlefield exercises — and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre.
The fire comes two days before Albertans — in a province of about 5 million people — vote on whether to begin the legal process toward a binding referendum on separating from Canada. Last week, Carney used a Thanksgiving message to call for national unity.
