EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Canada’s defense minister said Saturday that people were killed and injured in an incident at a military base in Alberta that caused a major fire.
“I am saddened to report that there have been deaths and injuries following an incident on the base,” said Defense Minister David McGuinty.
McGuinty did not provide casualty figures or details about what caused the incident. He said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were involved in the investigation and described the situation as “very, very active and delicate.”
The Canadian Armed Forces and federal, provincial and local authorities were coordinating the emergency response, he said. The neighboring community of Wainwright provided hospital and firefighting support.
The Wainwright Municipal District said the fire broke through the base fence earlier Saturday and was spreading quickly due to high winds. Firefighters from multiple jurisdictions responded and no evacuation orders were in effect.
“Our hearts go out to all the brave women and men affected,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said earlier in a social media post.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the fire “significant and tragic” and said it was affecting many military personnel.
Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, located approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) southeast of Edmonton, is one of Canada’s busiest military training bases, where soldiers prepare for combat operations. It is home to the Canadian Maneuver Training Centre, which conducts realistic battlefield exercises, as well as the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, which provides military training.
McGuinty said authorities are still working to determine what happened and hope to provide more information.
Carney said the federal government is working closely with Alberta officials and local authorities. He said he and Smith were in close contact, as were their ministers and officials.
Smith thanked first responders and those providing care and support to those affected.
Canadian Conservative Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre said he had spoken with Carney and the defense minister to offer support to those affected by the fire.
“Pray for Wainwright, everyone,” Poilievre said in a social media post. He urged area residents to follow emergency instructions and keep roads clear for first responders.
Neither Carney nor Smith provided details on the cause of the fire or if anyone was injured.
The fire came days before the province voted on launching a process that could lead to its seeking independence from Canada.
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