Alberta, Canada: Several people have died and others have been injured after a major fire broke out at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright in Alberta, according to Canadian media reports. Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed condolences to those affected and said the federal government is working with provincial and local authorities to respond to the incident.
Carney said the government was coordinating with Alberta officials as emergency teams dealt with the aftermath of the fire. He also confirmed that he was in direct contact with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.
“A serious incident creating a major fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta. Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected,” Carney said in a post on X. He added that the federal government was working closely with Alberta and local authorities, with ministers and officials also in contact.
Canada’s Minister of National Defence, David McGuinty, confirmed that the fire had resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, CBC reported.
McGuinty said the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence were working with other federal agencies, including public safety officials, as well as the Alberta government and municipal authorities, to arrange the necessary support.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Responds
Premier Danielle Smith also expressed concern over the incident, saying the provincial government was in close contact with the federal government and Carney as the situation developed.
In her post on X, Smith described the fire as a significant and tragic incident affecting military personnel. She thanked first responders and others involved in providing assistance and care to those affected.
RCMP Assists at the Scene
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is investigating the cause of the fire. According to CBC, the Wainwright RCMP said in an emailed statement that early reports indicated a fire in a training area.
Police sent several resources to assist at the scene. The RCMP said its initial involvement was winding down, although personnel remained available if further support was required. It added that additional details about the incident would be provided by the Canadian Armed Forces.
The cause of the fire and the full circumstances surrounding the deaths and injuries were not specified in the available report.
About Canadian Forces Base Wainwright
CFB Wainwright is a military installation in Alberta that serves as a training facility for Canadian troops. According to CBC, the base typically has around 690 military personnel and 300 civilian employees on a regular day.
The installation became a training base for Canadian forces during the Korean War in the 1950s.
Authorities are continuing to respond to the incident, while further information about the victims and the circumstances of the fire is expected to come from the Canadian Armed Forces.