In brief
A large fire erupted near Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, killing and injuring multiple people. Defence minister David McGuinty confirmed the incident while officials investigate a cause that remains unclear. The Prime Minister expressed his thoughts for those affected. Emergency crews are working to control the blaze with high winds contributing to its rapid spread.
A large fire near a Canadian military base in Alberta has killed and injured several people, the defence minister said, without confirming the number of casualties.
The Canadian Armed Forces were working with local authorities to manage the blaze and investigate its cause, defence minister David McGuinty described the situation as “very, very active and delicate”.
Prime Minister Mark Carney tweeted that a “serious incident creating a major fire” had occurred, adding his “thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected”.
Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, the country’s busiest training base, was hit by a blaze that spread rapidly due to high winds and tore through the base’s fences, the Municipal District of Wainwright reported.
McGuinty told reporters he “cannot recall an incident like this in recent memory”. The Fire’s origin remains unknown, though it first appeared on local media at about 17:30 local time.
Local authorities have urged residents to stay away from the area and give emergency vehicles right of way as the incident continues to unfold.
