Casualties undisclosed after deadly incident as major fire breaks out at Canadian military base in Alberta

Casualties and hospital response

McGuinty confirmed that people had been killed and injured but provided no figures. The Canadian Armed Forces said it would withhold casualty numbers until relatives had been notified, adding that the full impact was still under assessment.

Dr. Warren Thirsk of Edmonton’s Royal Alexandra Hospital told CBC News that patients were arriving at hospitals across the city and that local facilities were overwhelmed. Wainwright Mayor Bruce Pugh said helicopters and planes were moving patients to other facilities.

Fire and investigation

Fire crews worked late into the night as strong winds drove flames beyond the base into nearby rural areas. The RCMP said officers were called shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday after reports of a fire in a training area.

Winds reached gusts of up to 100 kph, toppling trees and sending signs and garbage cans moving through the area. At 11 p.m., the Municipal District of Wainwright said the fire was being held and property and critical infrastructure were protected; no evacuation order was in place.

The RCMP is involved in the investigation, which McGuinty described as active and delicate. On Sunday, the military said there were no indications of terrorism, while the cause remained under investigation.

Officials respond

Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed support for those affected, while Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the fire significant and tragic. McGuinty said authorities expected to provide further information.

Base training role

Canadian Forces Base Wainwright is among 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.