An explosion and fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright east of Edmonton has resulted in an unknown number of fatalities and injuries, Federal Defence Minister David McGuinty says.
“I’m saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base,” McGuinty said during a late-night news conference in Ottawa.
The minister would not confirm the exact number of fatalities, saying that it is still a “very active and delicate situation.”
He said the Canadian Armed Forces, Department of National Defence, and other federal agencies are working with the province and municipal governments “to mobilize all necessary support and working through the details of what actually occurred.”
“We will have more to say in the coming hours and days. At this time, our thoughts are with the families and with everyone impacted by this tragic event. And I want to thank, in particular, the first responders and everyone providing assistance at a very difficult time,” McGuinty said.
Asked if there has been any similar incident at a military base, the minister said, “I cannot recall an incident like this in recent memory.”
High winds causing fire to spread
The Municipal District of Wainwright says high winds were spreading the resulting large fire fast into the area on Saturday evening.
Emergency responders were actively working to “protect people, property, and critical infrastructure,” according to a social media post from the district.
There was no evacuation order for residents as of 7:30 p.m.
When asked if the community of Wainwright was in any danger of the fire, McGuinty shared that residents are providing assistance in terms of hospital support and firefighting.
As for the fire, the minister said it “is still being monitored very closely. We’ll have more to say about that in due course.”
Officials say the fire crossed the base fence earlier Saturday and is being managed south of Wainwright.
An active fire, however, remained burning south of Township Road 44-0.
Crews were fighting a volatile situation as parts of the province saw wind gusts of up to 100 km/h on Saturday.
In a media release, Acute Care Alberta confirmed that Emergency Health Services were on scene for care and the transport related to the fire.
STARS Air Ambulance says it has dispatched two air ambulances to Wainwright, from Saskatoon and Edmonton.
Wainright RCMP said in a statement that they responded to the base after receiving a request for assistance.
“Early reports were that there was a fire at a training area,” RCMP said, noting that they sent numerous resources.
“Our initial involvement is winding down, though we still have resources available if needed.”
Carney, Smith respond
The base is 200 kilometres from the Alberta capital, just outside the town of Wainwright.
It’s one of Canada’s busiest military training bases, used mainly to train soldiers and prepare units for combat operations.
It’s also the site of the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, which prepares military units to operate together in realistic battlefield conditions, and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, which provides basic infantry training.
Prime Minister Mark Carney was also quick to comment on the situation, posting to social media just after 6 p.m. to inform that he and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith were in “close contact” as the response continues.
“A serious incident creating a major fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta,” he wrote. “Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected.”
Smith said the fire was “significant and tragic” and was affecting many military personnel.
Other provinces offer help
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe confirmed the province had deployed emergency help to Alberta and was “ready to provide more if required.”
“Our hearts are with all those affected at CFB Wainwright and in the surrounding communities, as well as the first responders and those on the front lines of this tragic incident,” he said.
B.C. Premier David Eby said his province has reached out to Alberta to offer all possible assistance.
“Please hold Canadian Armed Forces members, their families and the emergency crews in your hearts tonight,” he said in a post on social media.
Meanwhile, Elections Alberta said it was informed of the fire and has shut down the Wainwright Communiplex advance vote location.
Voters are asked to instead go to Border Inn in Lloydminster or Vermilion Elks Hall.
This is a developing story. More to come...
