People killed and injured in major fire at Canadian military base in Alberta

A major fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta left people dead and injured, overwhelming nearby healthcare facilities. Strong winds hampered firefighting efforts. Authorities launched an investigation, while neighbouring Saskatchewan offered assistance and two polling locations closed early

Edmonton (Canada): Canada’s Defence Minister said on Saturday that people were killed and injured in an incident at a military base in Alberta that triggered a major fire, as reports indicated that large numbers of injured people were being taken to hospitals.

Fire crews battled the blaze late into the night as strong winds drove flames beyond Canadian Forces Base Wainwright and into the surrounding rural area.

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The number of people killed or injured was not immediately clear. However, a doctor at a hospital in Edmonton, about 180 km northwest of the base, told Canada’s national broadcaster that patients were being taken to hospitals across the city after healthcare facilities near the base became “completely overwhelmed” by the number of people needing 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. “It is more patients than any of us want to count right now. It’s a disaster. It’s a one in every 15- to 25-year disaster.”

The town of Wainwright, near the base, has about 7,000 residents.

Defence Minister David McGuinty said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) were investigating the incident and described the situation as “very, very active and delicate”. He said authorities were still working to establish what had happened and would provide further information.

The RCMP said officers were called shortly after 4 pm on Saturday following reports of a fire in a training area at the base.

Firefighters faced a volatile situation. Large parts of the province were hit by a windstorm during the day, with gusts reaching 100 kmph. The wind toppled trees, sent signs flying and pushed garbage cans along streets.

By 11 pm, the Municipal District of Wainwright said on social media that the fire was being contained and that property and critical infrastructure were protected. No evacuation order had been issued for residents.

Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, McGuinty confirmed the casualties but said he had no further details to share.

“I cannot recall such an incident in my short time for sure as a minister, but I cannot recall an incident like this in recent memory,” McGuinty said.

“We will have more to say in the coming hours and days,” he added.

He said members of the Canadian Armed Forces were at the scene and that the RCMP were also involved. “This is an active and delicate situation and soon to be an active and delicate investigation.”

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said his province was sending assistance to Alberta but did not specify what resources would be 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.

CFB Wainwright is one of Canada’s busiest military training bases. It is home to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, which conducts realistic battlefield exercises, and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, which provides military training.

Canadian Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said he had spoken with Carney and the Defence Minister to offer support to those affected by the fire.

“Pray for Wainwright, everyone,” Poilievre said in a social media post. He urged people in the area to follow emergency instructions and keep roads clear for first responders.

The fire also disrupted advance voting ahead of Monday’s referendum on whether Alberta should begin a process that could lead to independence from Canada. Elections Alberta said two polling locations, in Lloydminster and Vermilion, closed early on Saturday and that the ballots were transported securely.