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Symbolic image: Deaths and spreading fire after serious incident at Canadian base in AlbertaSymbolic image

Deaths and spreading fire after serious incident at Canadian base in Alberta

5 sources

Canada's defence minister confirmed deaths and injuries at CFB Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday. A fire linked to the incident is spreading beyond the base in strong winds.

Defence minister David McGuinty spoke at a press conference on Saturday evening, 17 October, about the incident at one of Canada's busiest military training bases. He gave no casualty figures and no cause, called the situation "active and delicate" and said he could not recall such an incident in recent memory. Prime minister Mark Carney wrote on X that a serious incident had created a major fire and that Ottawa was working with Alberta and local authorities.

Fire crosses the base fence

The Municipal District of Wainwright said the fire crossed the base fence and was spreading rapidly in high winds. Firefighters from several jurisdictions were responding, and according to The Guardian no evacuation order was in effect.

Investigation and political reaction

McGuinty said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were involved in the investigation, as reported by the South China Morning Post. Alberta premier Danielle Smith called the fire "significant and tragic", and opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said he had offered support to those affected.

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