Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty has confirmed that a “serious incident” at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta has caused fatalities and injuries, sparking a major fire that spread beyond the base perimeter on Saturday afternoon. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Ottawa is working closely with the Alberta government and local authorities as emergency crews battle the blaze.
FAKTA
- Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed “both fatalities and injuries” after a “serious incident” at CFB Wainwright, Alberta
- The incident happened on Saturday afternoon local time; the RCMP received a call for assistance around 4 p.m.
- A major fire spread rapidly due to high winds and crossed the base fence into the Municipal District of Wainwright
- No evacuation orders have been issued, but firefighters from multiple jurisdictions are tackling the blaze
- CFB Wainwright, about 210 km southeast of Edmonton, is one of Canada’s busiest Army bases
- The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are involved in the investigation; a formal inquiry will be launched
What happened at CFB Wainwright
The incident unfolded on Saturday afternoon at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, a major military installation in eastern Alberta. The Wainwright Royal Canadian Mounted Police received a call for assistance around 4 p.m. local time, after which a large fire broke out on the base.
The Municipal District of Wainwright said the blaze “spread rapidly due to high winds” and jumped across the base fence into the surrounding district. Emergency responders from multiple jurisdictions were mobilised to contain the fire, which was still burning on Saturday evening.
Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed the casualties in a video statement and at an evening news conference in Ottawa. “I am saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base,” he said, adding that the exact number of dead and injured had not yet been established.
McGuinty called it an “active and delicate situation” and said he “cannot recall an incident like this in recent memory.” Local media reported that a member of parliament for the area described hearing of “significant casualties” following reports of an explosion at the base before the fire, though officials have not confirmed any explosion.
Response to the CFB Wainwright fire
Prime Minister Mark Carney said on social media that a “serious incident creating a major fire” had broken out at the base, stressing that the federal government is “working closely with the Government of Alberta and local authorities.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described the disaster as “significant and tragic,” saying it was “affecting many of our brave military personnel.”
General Jennie Carignan, the Chief of the Defence Staff, said Canadian forces are fully engaged with federal, provincial and local authorities, with the priority being “the welfare of our members, their families and their community.”
Acute Care Alberta said emergency medical services are on scene providing care, while officials warned residents to stay clear of the area. No evacuation orders were in effect as of Saturday evening.
CFB Wainwright, located about 210 kilometres (130 miles) southeast of Edmonton, houses the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre and is used by Army field force units based in Edmonton for combat training.
Investigation under way
McGuinty said an investigation into the cause of the incident will be launched, with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police involved alongside the Canadian Armed Forces. “The Canadian Armed Forces, the federal government, provincial and local authorities are cooperating to mobilise all necessary support, and working through the details of what actually occurred,” the minister said.
The Department of National Defence has said it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide additional information as it becomes available.
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