The Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, has confirmed that four soldiers have died and dozens have been injured in a fire at a military base in the province of Alberta. Canadian television network Global News reported, citing unnamed military sources, that a gas pipeline or gas well was hit during a live-fire training exercise.
Last morning, Canada's Defense Minister reported several deaths and injuries, without specifying the number, in an "incident" at a base that caused a major fire. "I am saddened to share that there have been both deaths and injuries as a result of an incident at the base," said David McGuinty. McGuinty did not elaborate on what caused this, describing the situation as "very, very active and sensitive."
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said officers received a call shortly after 4 p.m. on Saturday (midnight in Spain) following reports of a fire in a training area at the base.
Fire crews raced late into the night as fierce winds pushed flames past Canadian Forces Base Wainwright into the surrounding countryside.
A doctor at a hospital in the city of Edmonton, located 180 km to the northwest, told Canada's national public broadcaster that patients were being referred to medical centers throughout the city, as health facilities near the base were "completely overwhelmed" by the number of people requiring care.
"This number of patients would overwhelm the city of Edmonton," Dr. Warren Thirsk, an emergency department physician at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, told CBC News. "That's more patients than any of us want to count right now. It's a disaster. It's a once-every-15 to 25-years disaster."
Meanwhile, fire crews battled flames burning between the base and the nearby town of Wainwright (pop. 7,000), which spread quickly due to strong winds. Large areas of the province were affected during the day by a wind storm with gusts of up to 100 kilometers per hour. The wind downed some trees and sent signs flying and trash cans rolling down the streets.
Around 11:00 p.m. (7 a.m. CEST), the Wainwright Municipal District reported via social media that the fire was already contained and that both properties and critical infrastructure were protected. No evacuation order was issued for residents.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said his province was sending assistance to Alberta, but did not specify what resources were being deployed. "Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected," Prime Minister Mark Carney said earlier in a social media post.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described the fire as "significant and tragic" and said it was affecting many military personnel.
combat operations
Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright, about 180 kilometers southeast of Edmonton, is one of Canada's busiest military training bases, where soldiers prepare for combat operations. It houses the Canadian Maneuver Training Centre, which conducts realistic battlefield exercises, and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, which provides military instruction.
McGuinty said authorities were still working to determine what happened and he hoped to provide more information.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that the federal government was working closely with Alberta officials and local authorities. He has said that he and Smith were in close contact, as were his ministers and officials.
Canadian Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said he had spoken with Carney and the defense minister to offer support to those affected by the fire.
"Pray for Wainwright, everyone," Poilievre wrote in a social media post. He urged people in the area to follow emergency instructions and keep roads clear for first responders.
Neither Carney nor Smith gave details about what caused the fire.
