Several killed, many injured as fire spreads beyond Canada military base: Everything we know

Fire spreads beyond the base

The blaze began at CFB Wainwright at about 4pm on Saturday, or 10pm GMT. The Canadian Armed Forces confirmed deaths and injuries, but withheld further information pending notification of next of kin and identification.

Media reports citing unnamed military sources said a live-fire training exercise struck a gas line or gas well, triggering an explosion. Gusts of up to 100km/h reportedly pushed the flames beyond the base into the Municipal District of Wainwright.

Hospitals prepare for casualties

Patients were being taken to hospitals across Edmonton, about 180km (120 miles) northwest of Wainwright. Dr Warren Thirsk, an emergency department physician at Royal Alexandra Hospital, told CBC News the city’s health-care facilities were “completely overwhelmed.” Edmonton hospitals issued a code orange, indicating an external disaster or mass-casualty incident. Thirsk said the number of patients would overwhelm the city.

Investigation and official response

McGuinty said Armed Forces members were at the scene. He also said he could not recall a comparable incident in recent memory.

A major training centre

CFB Wainwright is one of Canada’s busiest military training bases. It houses the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, which conducts realistic battlefield exercises, and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, which provides military training.