International
oi-Madhuri Adnal
Several people have died and others have been injured after an explosion and a massive fire at a Canadian military base in Alberta. Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed the casualties but said authorities were yet to determine the exact number of people killed or injured.
The incident took place at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, east of Edmonton, on Saturday. Emergency crews rushed to the scene as strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly, making the situation more difficult to control.
Fatalities and injuries occurred following an explosion and fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday. Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed casualties, noting strong winds complicated response efforts as officials investigate the exact cause.
Speaking at a late night news conference in Ottawa, McGuinty said the situation remained active and sensitive, and officials were working to establish what had happened.
“I’m saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base,” he said.
The minister said the Canadian Armed Forces, the Department of National Defence and other federal agencies were working with Alberta and local authorities to coordinate the response.
He did not disclose the casualty figures, saying more information would be shared in the coming hours and days. He also thanked the emergency personnel and first responders working at the site.
Asked whether a similar incident had occurred at a military base in recent years, McGuinty said he could not recall one.
Firefighters faced challenging conditions as strong winds fuelled the blaze on Saturday evening. Wind gusts of up to 100 km/h were reported in parts of Alberta, raising concerns about the spread of the fire.
The Municipal District of Wainwright said emergency crews were working to protect residents, property and critical infrastructure.
Officials said the fire had crossed the base fence earlier on Saturday and was being managed south of Wainwright. An active fire continued to burn south of Township Road 44-0.
As of 7.30 pm on Saturday, authorities had not issued an evacuation order for residents in the area.
McGuinty said officials were keeping a close watch on the fire. He added that the local community was helping with hospital support and firefighting efforts.
Acute Care Alberta confirmed that Emergency Health Services personnel were at the scene to provide medical assistance and transport those affected.
STARS Air Ambulance also sent two air ambulances to Wainwright, one from Saskatoon and another from Edmonton.
The Wainwright RCMP said it responded after receiving a request for assistance. Initial reports indicated that the fire had broken out in a training area, prompting officers to send additional resources.
Police said their initial involvement was winding down, although personnel remained available if further assistance was needed.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was in close contact with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith as emergency services dealt with the fire.
In a social media post, Carney described the incident as serious and expressed support for the military personnel affected.
Smith also described the fire as significant and tragic, saying it had affected several members of the military community.
Located about 200 kilometres east of Edmonton, near the town of Wainwright, the base is an important military training facility in Canada.
It houses the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, where military units train together in realistic battlefield conditions, and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, which provides basic infantry training.
The base plays a key role in preparing soldiers and units for combat operations.
The incident prompted offers of assistance from other Canadian provinces.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe confirmed that emergency support had been sent to Alberta. He said the province was ready to provide further assistance if required.
Moe also expressed support for those affected, including military personnel, their families, residents of nearby communities and emergency responders.
British Columbia Premier David Eby said his province had contacted Alberta to offer whatever assistance was needed.
Meanwhile, authorities continued to work at the site as they tried to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. The exact number of casualties and the cause of the explosion and fire had not been confirmed.
The incident also led to the closure of an advance voting location in the area.
Elections Alberta said it had been informed of the fire and had shut down the Wainwright Communiplex voting location.
Voters were asked to use alternative locations at the Border Inn in Lloydminster or Vermilion Elks Hall.
