Multiple Deaths and Injuries After Major Fire Incident at Alberta Military Base

Officials have confirmed deaths and injuries after a major fire at a military base in Wainwright, Alberta, on Oct. 17.

“I’m saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base,” Defence Minister David McGuinty told reporters about the incident at CFB Wainwright on Oct. 17.

CFB Wainwright is a major military base located 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton. The base is mainly used to train soldiers and to prepare for combat operations.

McGuinty said the incident is under investigation, and he can’t provide details on the number of casualties at this point.

“We will have more to say in the coming hours and days. At this time, our thoughts are with the families and with everyone impacted by this tragic event,” he said.

McGuinty said the fire is being “monitored very closely,” and that fire crews from the town of Wainwright are providing support. He added that the injured are also receiving medical care at the town.

The Canadian Armed forces (CAF) issued its own statement on Oct. 18, saying a fire was ignited within the training area of the military base around 4 p.m. on Oct. 17.

“The fire spread rapidly beyond the boundaries of the training area, while military and civilian emergency services responded quickly to control that fire and to support those affected by this tragic event,” the CAF said.

The CAF also said that there is currently no indication that the incident is “the result of any terrorist activity,” adding that it remains under investigation.

The CAF added that, as it is focused on notifying the next of kin of those affected and providing support, it won’t confirm further details about the casualties at this point.

Acute Care Alberta said late on Oct. 17 that the incident required substantial medical resources, and that a “Code Orange” has been activated at several hospitals across the province. The code is used when health-care resources must be coordinated to manage response “to an incident that results in multiple severe patients needing care at the same time,” the agency said.

The agency also urged residents in the Edmonton area to avoid the emergency department at University of Alberta Hospital and recommended that people with non-urgent medical concerns seek care elsewhere.

The RCMP said that they were called to the military base around 4 p.m. on Oct. 17.

“Early reports were that there was a fire at a training area,” the police force said in a statement on the evening of Oct. 17. “Our initial involvement is winding down, though we still have resources available if needed. Any further details regarding the incident will come from the Canadian Armed Forces.”

Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan said the Canadian Armed Forces is “fully engaged with federal, provincial and local authorities.”

“Our priority remains the welfare of our members, their families and their community, and my thoughts are with all those affected by this incident,” she said on social media.

Large areas of the province have been hit by a windstorm with gusts up to 100 kilometres an hour, adding to the challenge of the fire crews.

The town of Wainwright said in a statement on social media that the fire crossed the military base fence earlier on Oct. 17 and “is being actively managed.” It added that fire crews from multiple jurisdictions are helping respond to the fire.

“There is no evacuation order at this time,” the town said on the evening of Oct. 17.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said federal officials are working with their provincial counterparts to respond to the incident.

“Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected,” Carney said.

He said on Oct. 18 that Canadian flags will be flying at half mast at federal buildings across the country to mark the tragedy.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described the incident as a “significant and tragic fire” that is “affecting many of our brave military personnel.”

“Thank you to the first responders and all those providing care and support to those affected,” she said.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said his province has deployed resources to help with the response to the incident in the neighbouring Alberta.

“Our hearts are with all those affected at CFB Wainwright and in the surrounding communities, as well as the first responders and those on the front lines of this tragic incident,” he said.

Chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone extended the organization’s condolences to all those affected by the tragedy.

“Wainwright is where Canadian soldiers, and so many Allies with them, train for the hardest tasks of our profession. Those who fell there served our common security, and the Military Committee will honour their memory,” he said in a statement.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.