At least one dead after 'serious incident' declared at major Canadian military base

Multiple people have died, and several have been seriously injured, after a "serious incident" led to a fire at one of Canada's busiest military bases. Defence Minister David McGuinty has confirmed "there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident" at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta. He did not say how many people were killed or injured, or what caused the "tragic" situation at the base in the east-central part of the province, about 130 miles east of Edmonton. A major fire was still burning on Saturday evening, he said, adding: "I cannot recall an incident like this in recent memory." Prime Minister Mark Carney posted on social media that the national government was "working closely with the Government of Alberta and local authorities." CFB Wainwright had 1,310 military and civilian personnel stationed there as of 2021, according to census data. The town of Wainwright, with a population of about 6,600, is just north of the base. The municipality posted on social media that the fire had crossed the base fence into the nearby district, but it had not issued any evacuation orders. General Jennie Carignan, chief of Canada's Defence Staff, said on social media that Canadian forces are fully engaged with federal, provincial, and local authorities. She said: "Our priority remains the welfare of our members, their families and their community." The Royal Canadian Mounted Police told local news they were called to the site around 4pm local time because of "early reports that there was a fire at a training area". A spokesman said: "The RCMP sent numerous resources to assist. Our initial involvement is winding down, though we still have resources available if needed. Any further details regarding the incident will come from the Canadian Armed Forces." The Municipal District of Wainwright said emergency responders are actively assessing the situation and "working to protect people, property and critical infrastructure". A spokesman said: "Avoid the area and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles. Do not travel toward the incident or attempt to view it." Dr Warren Thirsk, an emergency department physician at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, said the disaster was a "one in every 15 to 25-year disaster.” He said: "This number of patients would overwhelm the city of Edmonton and that is why we are clearing our decks and mobilising to respond as if it was our own city. It is more patients than any of us want to count right now." Follow related topics: