A major fire erupted at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday after what Prime Minister Mark Carney described as a “serious incident” — and Canada’s defence minister has now confirmed there have been both fatalities and injuries.
What happened at CFB Wainwright
“A serious incident creating a major fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta,” Carney wrote in a social media post on Saturday. “Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected.”
CFB Wainwright sits about 210 kilometres (130 miles) east of Edmonton and ranks among the busiest Army bases in Canada, hosting the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre where units prepare for operational deployments. The nature of the triggering incident has not been disclosed.
“I’m saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base,” Defence Minister David McGuinty said on Saturday. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are involved in the investigation, which McGuinty’s office described as “very, very active and delicate.”
Fire crossed the base fence
The Municipal District of Wainwright said a large fire originating near the base spread rapidly due to high winds and crossed the base fence into the surrounding district on Saturday evening. Firefighters from multiple jurisdictions were deployed, and the blaze was being actively managed.
No evacuation order has been issued, but authorities asked residents to avoid the area, keep roads clear for first responders, and visit the Wainwright Health Centre only for critical medical needs.
Leaders react
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the fire “significant and tragic,” saying it was affecting many military personnel. Carney said Ottawa was working closely with the provincial government and local authorities.
Member of Parliament Dane Lloyd said he had heard of “significant casualties” in an explosion and fire at the base, while opposition leader Pierre Poilievre wrote: “Pray for Wainwright, everyone,” urging residents to follow emergency instructions.
Watch the latest
Watch: Global News report as Defence Minister David McGuinty addresses the CFB Wainwright incident
Music in this post's reel: Kevin MacLeod - Volatile Reaction (incompetech.com), licensed under CC BY 3.0
The takeaway
With the cause still undisclosed and an active RCMP investigation underway, this is a developing story at one of Canada’s most important military installations. The confirmation of fatalities makes it one of the most serious incidents at a Canadian Forces base in recent memory.
Sources: Reuters — Serious incident at Canada military base in Alberta causes major fire, Carney says; CNN — Deadly fire breaks out after ‘serious incident’ at Canada military base; Hindustan Times — Carney says ‘serious incident’ sparked major fire at Alberta army base