An incident at the CFB Wainwright military training base in Alberta, Canada, caused a large fire that left multiple people dead and injured. Strong winds pushed the flames past the base perimeter and into the neighbouring town of the same name, according to local officials and Canadian defence authorities.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday evening local time, Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty said: "I am deeply saddened to share that there have been both deaths and injuries as a result of an incident at the base." He described the situation at CFB Wainwright as "ongoing and highly sensitive," with the fire being monitored closely, and said he "cannot recall a similar incident in recent memory."
McGuinty did not release casualty figures or information on the cause of the incident. According to him, the Canadian Armed Forces along with federal, provincial and local agencies are coordinating the emergency response, and the nearby community of Wainwright is providing medical and firefighting support.
Earlier, in a social media post, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said: "A serious incident causing a large fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta." He added: "Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected."
According to the Wainwright municipal administration, the flames crossed the base perimeter early on Saturday and spread quickly due to strong winds. Fire crews from multiple areas have been mobilised to respond, and no evacuation order has been issued so far.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described the fire as "serious and tragic," saying the incident affected many service members.
CFB Wainwright, about 180 km southeast of Edmonton, is one of Canada's busiest military training bases, where soldiers are trained for combat operations. It is home to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre — which runs realistic battlefield exercises — and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, which provides military training.
Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said he had spoken with Prime Minister Carney and the defence minister to express support for those affected by the fire. "Let us all pray for Wainwright," Poilievre wrote on social media, urging people in the area to follow emergency instructions and keep roads clear for responders.
Neither Carney nor Smith has provided details on the cause of the fire or the condition of those injured.
