A serious incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in central Alberta has left multiple people dead and injured, triggering a major fire that spread beyond the base's perimeter Saturday, prompting an unprecedented emergency response across the region.
Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed the fatalities and injuries, describing the situation as "very, very active and delicate" as Royal Canadian Mounted Police launched an investigation into the cause of the incident.
"I'm saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base," McGuinty said in a statement.
The fire spread rapidly across the 112-mile southeast of Edmonton facility due to high winds, crossing the base's security fence and forcing an emergency response from firefighting units across multiple jurisdictions. The Municipal District of Wainwright said emergency personnel from surrounding communities were called to assist.
Edmonton Hospitals Overwhelmed
The scale of the emergency became apparent as Edmonton-area hospitals reported receiving patients from across the city. Dr. Warren Thirsk, an emergency department physician at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, described the situation in stark terms to CBC News.
"This number of patients would overwhelm the city of Edmonton. It is more patients than any of us want to count right now. It's a disaster. It's a one in every 15 to 25-year disaster," Dr. Thirsk said.
Health-care facilities near the base became "completely overwhelmed," forcing authorities to distribute patients to hospitals across Edmonton, approximately 120 kilometres northwest of the incident site.
Military Base on High Alert
CFB Wainwright is one of Canada's most active military training installations, serving as home to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre. The base conducts realistic battlefield training exercises and prepares soldiers for combat operations.
Gen. Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff for the Canadian Armed Forces, stated that the military was fully engaged with federal, provincial and local authorities in the emergency response.
"Our priority remains the welfare of our members, their families and their community, and my thoughts are with all those affected by this incident," Gen. Carignan said on social media.
Federal and Provincial Coordination
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith both issued statements acknowledging the tragedy. Smith described the fire as "significant and tragic," noting it was affecting many military personnel.
"Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected," PM Carney said, while confirming that federal, provincial and local authorities were coordinating the emergency response.
No evacuation order was issued for the surrounding community of Wainwright, though the area remained on alert as firefighting efforts continued. The cause of the initial incident remains under investigation, with authorities promising additional information as details emerge.
This story is based on reporting from CBS News and Canadian Press.