A fire at the Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in central Alberta has claimed an unknown number of lives and injured others.
“I cannot recall an incident like this in recent memory,” Minister of National Defence David McGuinty said on Saturday night.
“This is a very, very active and delicate situation.”
Acute Care Alberta says EMS are on the scene providing care and transport related to the emergency at the military base about 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.
McGuinty said he was saddened to share that people have died and been injured as a result of “an incident on the base.”
“At this time, our thoughts are with the families and with everyone impacted by this tragic event,” McGuinty said.
“And I want to thank, in particular, the first responders and everyone providing assistance at a very difficult time.”
Alberta Member of Parliament Dane Lloyd said he heard there were “significant casualties” after an explosion and fire at the base.
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Lloyd, who represents a riding west of Edmonton, asked in a social media post for people to pray for the soldiers and their families.
A fire on the base was spreading due to high winds, according to the Municipal District of Wainwright. Much of Alberta was under wind warnings on Saturday, and guts of up to 100 km/h were reported in parts of the province.
The municipality established an emergency coordination centre Saturday night. An update around 7 p.m. said the fire south of Wainwright crossed the base fence earlier in the day and was being actively managed. The active fire area is south of Township Road 44-0.
Firefighting resources from multiple jurisdictions are actively responding, the district said.
Premier Danielle Smith has also confirmed the incident, saying there has been a “significant and tragic fire” at CFB Wainwright.
In a post on social media, the premier added the incident has affected many military personnel.
She added that the province is in contact with the federal government and the prime minister.
McGuinty said the Canadian Armed Forces, the Department of National Defence and the federal government will have more to share in the coming days.
Prime Minister Mark Carney also posted on social media that his thoughts are with all the brave men and women affected.
Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Official Opposition and Member of Parliament for Battle River—Crowfoot, put out a message saying: “Pray for Wainwright, everyone. There has been a serious incident that caused a fire at CFB Wainwright. Thank you to the brave firefighters and emergency responders working to save lives.
Poilievre said he spoke with the prime minister and the Minister of Defence to offer his support to everyone on the base and in the community.
“To everyone in the area, please stay safe, follow local emergency instructions, and keep roads clear for first responders,” Poilievre said.
FIRMS (NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System) tracks active fires by satellite and shows a cluster of them on Saturday just to the southeast of the town of Wainwright.
Elections Alberta said it has been informed of the fire, which impacts the Wainwright Communiplex Advance Vote location, which has been closed.
There are two advance vote locations in Electoral Division 86:
- Border Inn, Lloydminster
- Vermilion Elks Hall, Vermilion
Ballot boxes and materials from Wainwright are being moved securely.
This is a breaking news story. More to come…
— with files from The Canadian Press
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