Deadly Incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright Sparks Fire Beyond Its Fence

Deaths and injuries reported

Defense Minister David McGuinty said people had died and been injured in an incident at the Alberta military base. He did not disclose how many people were affected or what caused the incident.

Fire spreads beyond base

The Municipal District of Wainwright said the fire crossed the base fence earlier Saturday and was spreading quickly amid high winds. Firefighters from multiple jurisdictions were responding, and officials had issued no evacuation order.

The Canadian Armed Forces and federal, provincial and local authorities were coordinating the emergency response. Wainwright was supplying hospital and firefighting support, McGuinty said.

Officials offer support

Smith called the fire significant and tragic and said it was affecting many military personnel. She thanked first responders and people helping those affected. Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre also offered support and urged people nearby to follow emergency instructions and keep roads clear.

Base serves military training

Canadian Forces Base Wainwright is about 180 kilometers (112 miles) southeast of Edmonton and is one of Canada’s busiest military training bases. Soldiers there prepare for combat operations.

The base is home to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, which conducts battlefield exercises, and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, which provides military training. The fire occurred days before Alberta was set to vote on whether to begin a process that could lead to seeking independence from Canada.