A major fire at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright in Alberta has resulted in fatalities and injuries, with the full extent of the casualties still being assessed, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) said on Saturday.
The fire broke out in the base’s training area at around 4 pm local time on October 17 and spread rapidly beyond its boundaries, according to a statement issued by Canada’s Department of National Defence on October 18.
Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed the deaths and injuries but did not disclose the number of casualties or the cause of the incident.
“I’m saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident” at CFB Wainwright, McGuinty told reporters in Ottawa.
A major fire was still burning on Saturday evening, he said, adding that he could not recall a similar incident in recent memory.
The Canadian Armed Forces said military and civilian emergency services responded quickly to contain the fire and assist those affected. The military is working with emergency services, local authorities and other partners to support response efforts.
“Our immediate priority is supporting those affected and notifying next of kin,” the CAF said, adding that it would not confirm casualty or injury details until the notification process was complete.
The Canadian military and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are investigating the incident. The cause of the fire has not been disclosed.
Defence Minister McGuinty said the Canadian Armed Forces, the Department of National Defence and federal government partners, including Public Safety, were working with the Government of Alberta and municipal authorities to mobilise the necessary support.
“My thoughts are with the families and with everyone impacted by this tragic event,” he said, thanking first responders and personnel working in challenging circumstances.
The municipality of Wainwright said on social media that the fire had crossed the base fence into a nearby district. However, no evacuation orders had been issued, according to the municipality.
CFB Wainwright is located in east-central Alberta, about 210 km (130 miles) east of Edmonton. The nearby town of Wainwright has a population of approximately 6,600.
The base had 1,310 military and civilian personnel stationed there as of 2021, according to census data.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said the federal government was working closely with Alberta and local authorities following the incident.
General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, described the incident as a profoundly difficult moment for the Canadian Armed Forces.
“Our immediate focus remains on supporting those affected, assisting emergency response efforts, and ensuring the well-being of our members, their families, and the surrounding community,” she said.
Carignan extended her condolences to the families of those who had lost their lives, while noting that casualty identification and notification procedures were still under way.
Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander of the Canadian Army, also expressed condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of those affected.
“Our soldiers, civilian personnel, and emergency responders are working closely with local authorities to respond to this situation,” Wright said, adding that the Canadian Army would continue to provide assistance wherever needed.
