Deaths and injuries reported in fire at Canadian military base

A large fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta has killed and injured people, Canada’s defence minister says, but the number of casualties has not been confirmed. [1]

David McGuinty said the Canadian Armed Forces were working with local authorities to manage the blaze and investigate its cause. He described the situation as “very, very active and delicate”.

The Municipal District of Wainwright said the fire spread rapidly in high winds and breached the base’s fences. Authorities urged residents to stay away and give emergency vehicles right of way.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said on X that a “serious incident creating a major fire” had occurred and sent his thoughts to those affected. The district’s first public post about the incident was at about 17:30 local time; it was unclear when the fire began.

Wainwright is one of Canada’s busiest military training bases. McGuinty said he could not recall a similar incident in recent memory. [1]