Multiple People Killed in Major Fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta
Canada's defense minister confirmed there were fatalities and injuries after a serious incident set off a major fire at the Alberta Army base.
At least seven people were killed and dozens more were injured in an explosion and fire at a Canadian military base in Alberta, Global News reported Saturday night, citing Canadian Armed Forces sources.
The sources said a live-fire training exercise struck a gas line or gas well on the base, setting off the blast. Officials have not confirmed a cause.
The Municipal District of Wainwright said the fire was contained as of 10:48 p.m. MT Saturday, after high winds pushed it beyond the base fence.
Several Alberta hospitals were put on Code Orange, the province’s disaster protocol. Wainwright’s health facilities were “completely overwhelmed” by patients, emergency physician Warren Thirsk of Edmonton’s Royal Alexandra Hospital told CBC News. “It’s a disaster. It’s a one in every 15 to 25-year disaster.”
“I’m saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base,” Defense Minister David McGuinty said Saturday.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are part of the investigation. McGuinty described the situation as “very, very active and delicate.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney said the “serious incident” happened at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, about 210 kilometers (130 miles) east of Edmonton.
“A serious incident creating a major fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta,” Carney wrote in a social media post. “Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected.”
The Municipal District of Wainwright said the fire crossed the base’s fence earlier Saturday and was spreading rapidly because of high winds. Firefighters from multiple jurisdictions were responding. No evacuation order had been issued.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the fire “significant and tragic” and said it was affecting many military personnel.
The Canadian Armed Forces and federal, provincial and local authorities were coordinating the emergency response, McGuinty said. The nearby community of Wainwright was providing hospital and firefighting support.
CFB Wainwright is one of the busiest Army bases in Canada.
Authorities were still working to determine exactly what happened. McGuinty said officials expected to provide further information.
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