Deadly incident at Canadian military base leaves people killed and injured as large fire breaks out, officials say
Incident at Wainwright base
The incident took place at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, about 112 miles southeast of Edmonton. Canada’s defense minister said Saturday that people had died and others were hurt, but gave no numbers. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police were taking part in the investigation. The minister called the situation “very, very active and delicate.”
Fire spreads beyond fence
The Municipal District of Wainwright said flames crossed the base boundary earlier Saturday and were advancing quickly in strong winds. Firefighters from several jurisdictions were responding. Authorities had not issued an evacuation order. Officials did not say whether the fire itself had caused injuries or provide further details about its origin.
Leaders offer support
Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a social media post that his thoughts were with the people affected. He also said the federal government was coordinating with Alberta officials and local authorities, and that he and Smith were in close contact.
Base hosts training centres
Wainwright is among Canada’s busiest military training bases, where soldiers prepare for combat operations. It hosts the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, which runs realistic battlefield exercises. The base is also home to the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, which provides military training.
Key points
- People were killed and injured in an incident at the Alberta military base, the defense minister said.
- The resulting fire spread beyond the base fence during high winds.
- Fire crews from multiple jurisdictions responded; no evacuation order was in effect.
- Authorities had not released casualty figures or said what caused the incident.