Canada: Major fire reported at military base in Alberta

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday said a "serious incident" sparked a major fire at a military base in Alberta.

"A serious incident creating a major fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta," Carney said in a post on X.

He added that the federal government was working closely with Alberta officials and local authorities.

What else do we know about the major fire in Alberta?

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the fire "significant and tragic" and said many military personnel are affected.

"We are learning of a significant and tragic fire at CFB Wainwright today that is affecting many of our brave military personnel," Smith said in a post on social media.

Neither Carney nor Smith provided details on the cause of the fire or whether anyone was injured.

The incident occurred just days before people in Alberta, home to the world's fourth-largest proven oil reserves, will vote in the October 19 referendum on whether the province wants to begin the process of separating from the rest of Canada.

Edited by: Sean Sinico