In brief
Firefighters and soldiers raced to control a large fire that shattered fences and spread rapidly thanks to high winds at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright. Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed casualties but did not give exact numbers, describing the scene as "very, very active and delicate." Prime Minister Mark Carney offered his thoughts to those affected. Local authorities warned residents to stay clear while emergency crews keep the blaze under control.
Canada’s military base in Alberta is on fire. A massive blaze broke out at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, one of the country’s busiest training sites, causing injuries and loss of life.
Defence Minister David McGuinty told reporters that the fire was "very, very active and delicate" and that the Canadian Armed Forces were working alongside local fire crews to control the flames and investigate the cause.
Prime Minister Mark Carney took to X (formerly Twitter) to say the incident was a "serious incident creating a major fire" and that he was "thinking of all the brave men and women" who were affected.
The blaze, driven by high winds, ripped through the base’s fences and spread rapidly. Local authorities urged residents to avoid the area and give emergency vehicles the right of way.
Details on the exact number of casualties are still emerging, but the incident is being treated as Canada’s most significant military fire in recent memory.
