Carney says 'serious incident' led to major fire at Alberta military base

Fatalities, injuries after major fire at Alberta military base: defence minister

Major fire reported at CFB Wainwright in Alberta

I’m reporting on the Wainwright fire from our Edmonton newsroom. We’ve just heard from federal Minister of National Defence David McGuinty, in Ottawa. He confirmed there were both fatalities and injuries from the incident, but didn’t provide any more details.

“The Canadian Armed Forces, the Department of National Defence, partners across the federal government, including public safety, are working with the government of Alberta and municipal governments to mobilize all necessary support,” he said.

He said his thoughts are with the affected families.

The Municipal District of Wainwright said emergency responders are actively assessing the situation and "working to protect people, property and critical infrastructure" in the area. It added that multiple agencies are responding to the incident south of the town of Wainwright.

"Avoid the area and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles. Do not travel toward the incident or attempt to view it," the municipality said in a social media post Saturday just after 5 p.m. MT.

Wainwright has established an emergency co-ordination centre, the municipal district said in a 7 p.m. post on social media. It said multiple jurisdictions are actively responding, and residents should avoid visiting the Wainwright Health Centre unless there is "a critical medical need."

"The fire south of Wainwright crossed the base fence earlier today and is being actively managed," the municipality said.

Dane Lloyd, a member of Parliament who represents a riding west of Edmonton, said in a social media post that he’s heard there were “significant casualties” after an explosion and fire at the military base.

Acute Care Alberta said in a news release around 6 p.m. MT that Emergency Health Services is on scene "and supporting care and transport related to an incident at CFB Wainwright."

A large fire on a Canadian Forces Base in east-central Alberta has spread rapidly due to Saturday’s strong winds, creating an incident that the province's premier has called "significant and tragic."

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said in a post on X at 6:15 p.m. that the province is "learning of a significant and tragic fire that is affecting many of our brave military personnel."

Prime Minister Mark Carney also said in a social media post just after 6 p.m. that a "serious incident creating a major fire occurred at CFB Wainwright."

"Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected," Carney wrote. "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."