CFB Wainwright fire - live: 'Serious incident' at Alberta military base as fatalities confirmed

CFB Wainwright fire - live: 'Serious incident' at Alberta military base as fatalities confirmed The Prime Minister of Canada has described it as a 'serious incident' and the fire is reportedly spreading rapidly with emergency crews at the scene. A large fire has broken out at a military base in Canada in what is being described as a 'serious incident'. The large fire originated near the Canadian Forces Base in Alberta at around 4pm local time on Saturday, October 17 and has 'spread rapidly due to high winds'. Emergency responders are reportedly assessing the situation and working to protect people, property, and critical infrastructure. Defence Minister David McGuinty has confirmed there are fatalities and injuries as a result of the incident - an exact figure has not yet been disclosed. Meanwhile, Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney said in a post on X: "Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected. "We are working closely with the Government of Alberta and local authorities. Premier Smith and I are in close contact as are our relevant ministers and officials." “There has been an incident on the base,” said Capt. Bechard, Canadian Support Group West public affairs officer. “Emergency personnel are attending the scene.” You can follow the latest on this breaking incident in our live blog down below. Key Events CFB Waunwright is one of Canada's busiest military bases Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, about 180 kilometers (112 miles) southeast of Edmonton, is one of Canada’s busiest military training bases, where soldiers prepare for combat operations. 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. Incident described as 'very, very active and delicate' McGuinty did not provide casualty figures or details about what caused the incident. He said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were involved in the investigation and described the situation as “very, very active and delicate.” The Canadian Armed Forces and federal, provincial and local authorities were coordinating the emergency response, he said. The nearby community of Wainwright was providing hospital and firefighting support. Breaking: 'Fatalities and injuries' after incident at base Defence Minister David McGuinty has confirmed that there have been 'fatalities and injuries' as a result of the incident. He added that more details will be released in the coming hours and days. Aircraft lands at CFB Wainwright after serious incident Edmonton and Saskatoon-based aircraft responded to a scene call in the Wainwright area, STARS air ambulance confirmed. Flight tracking showed a medivac outfitted King Air operated by Alberta Central Airways departing Lac La Biche and landing at CFB Wainwright. Reports of large explosion - no evacuation order at this time Alberta Storm Watch posted a statement released by the fire and rescue services in the last few minutes. It states: "The Municipal District of Wainwright is reporting that the active fire area is south of Township Road 440, with multiple jurisdictions responding. At this time, there is no evacuation order. "As for the cause of the fire, we have heard that there was a large explosion at CFB Wainwright, which may have injured many people, but this is unconfirmed as of now. "Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is currently being impacted by this terrible situation." Emergency crews working at scene Acute Care Alberta says Emergency Health Services are on the scene providing care and transport related to the incident. No information has yet been released on potential injuries or fatalities - but we do know the incident is being described as a serious one. More details about where incident has taken place CFB Wainwright is a 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Detachment Wainwright, commonly referred to as Canadian Forces Base Wainwright or CFB Wainwright. It is a Canadian Forces Base in Denwood, Alberta, adjacent to the town of Wainwright. 'Significant and tragic fire' The incident has been described as a 'serious and tragic' one by Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta. She said in a post on X: "We are learning of a significant and tragic fire at CFB Wainwright today that is affecting many of our brave military personnel. "Alberta’s government is in close contact with the Government of Canada and Prime Minister Mark Carney as this situation evolves. Thank you to the first responders and all those providing care and support to those affected." 'Avoid the area' A spokesperson for Wainwright Fire and Rescue said: "Please be advised multiple agencies are responding to a fire incident south of Wainwright. Please give all emergency vehicles right of way and avoid the area." Full statement from Prime Minister of Canada PM Mark Carney wrote on X: "A serious incident creating a major fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta. Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected. "We are working closely with the Government of Alberta and local authorities. Premier Smith and I are in close contact as are our relevant ministers and officials."