On Saturday, Defense Minister David McGuinty reported fatalities and injuries from a significant incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, located about 210 km east of Edmonton. While specific details regarding the number of casualties and the cause of the fire remain undisclosed, McGuinty described the situation as 'tragic' and noted that a major fire was still active.
The Canadian military, alongside the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, is currently investigating the incident. Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated that the national government is collaborating with Alberta's government and local authorities to address the situation.
CFB Wainwright, which had 1,310 military and civilian personnel stationed there as of 2021, is situated near the town of Wainwright, which has a population of approximately 6,600. The local municipality reported that the fire had spread beyond the base's perimeter but no evacuation orders were issued.
General Jennie Carignan, chief of Canada's Defense Staff, emphasized that the welfare of military members, their families, and the community is the top priority as they engage with various authorities