Four dead, dozens injured in ‘violent’ fire at Canada military base
Four people have been killed and dozens more are seriously injured after a devastating fire swept through a military base in Canada.
A “major fire” broke out at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright in Alberta, one of the country’s busiest military training bases, Defence Minister David McGuinty said on Saturday evening (Sunday AEDT).
Paramedics work at the Wainwright Health Centre as injured military members are treated. John Ulan/The Canadian Press via AP
McGuinty confirmed there had been “both fatalities and injuries”.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a televised address that four service members had so far died and dozens more had been seriously wounded by the “violent, fast-moving” blaze.
He called it “one of the worst tragedies for the forces on Canadian soil in peacetime”.
“The nation is in mourning for those brave members of our armed forces whom we have lost,” he said.
“And I have asked that the flags on all federal buildings to be flown at half-mast to honour them.”
Thirty-nine people are being treated in hospital, “and at least 19 are in critical condition,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said at a press conference.
The fire occurred “while soldiers were training on the range,” McGuinty said.
The Canadian Armed Forces said in a statement that the fire broke out within the base’s “training area” on Saturday afternoon and then “spread rapidly” beyond that area’s boundaries.
A “code orange” disaster response protocol was activated in nearby Edmonton. A doctor said patients were being brought to hospitals across the city as health-care facilities around the base became “completely overwhelmed” by the number of people needing care.
“This number of patients would overwhelm the city of Edmonton,” Royal Alexandra Hospital emergency department physician Dr Warren Thirsk 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 fire broke out following what has been described by authorities as a “serious incident” at the base.
A wildfire spread quickly due to high winds in the area, crossing the base fence.
Authorities seen responding to a large fire that broke out at CFB Wainwright, a military base in Alberta. CBC
McGuinty described the situation as “active and delicate”.
“I cannot recall an incident like this in recent memory”, he said.
National broadcaster CBC said authorities had not linked the fire to any potential terrorist attack.
Paramedics load an injured person into an ambulance at the Wainwright Health centre. John Ulan/The Canadian Press via AP
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said officers were called shortly after 4pm on Saturday (9am Sunday AEDT) following reports of a fire in a training area at the base.
Firefighters faced a windstorm with gusts up to 100km/h as wind toppled some trees and sent signs flying.
They were still at the scene but about 11pm on Saturday (4pm Sunday AEDT) authorities said the fire was “being held at this time”.
CFB Wainwright is home to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, which conducts realistic battlefield exercises. Officials did not confirm reports a live-fire exercise had taken place.
Carney said his thoughts were with the women and men affected.
“A serious incident creating a major fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta,” Carney said in a post shared to X.
“We are working closely with the government of Alberta and local authorities.
The fire broke out following what has been described by authorities as a “serious incident” at the military base. CBC
“Premier [Danielle] Smith and I are in close contact as are our relevant ministers and officials.”
Smith said a “significant and tragic fire” had affected military personnel.
“Alberta’s government is in close contact with the Government of Canada and Prime Minister Mark Carney as this situation evolves,” Smith wrote on X.
“Thank you to the first responders and all those providing care and support to those affected.”
Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan said it was a “profoundly difficult moment” for the whole armed forces.
“While casualty identification and notification processes are ongoing, I extend my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives,” She said.
“Our thoughts are also with all those impacted by this tragic incident.”
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said his province was sending assistance to Alberta but did not specify what resources were being deployed.
- Reported with Associated Press and CNN
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