A major fire at Canada’s Wainwright military base in Alberta, has left several people dead or injured, with authorities yet to confirm the casualty figures or the cause of the incident.
Canada’s Defence Minister, David McGuinty, described the situation as “very, very active and delicate”, saying the military and local authorities were managing the emergency.
Global News reported that at least seven people were killed and dozens injured when a gas line or gas well was struck during a live-fire training exercise, citing unnamed military sources. Authorities have not confirmed the report.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said a “serious incident creating a major fire” had occurred, expressing concern for those affected.
“My thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected,” he said.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported that Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton had declared a code orange, a disaster response protocol activated when a major incident produces multiple casualties.
Warren Thirsk, an emergency department doctor at the hospital, told the broadcaster that the number of patients would otherwise overwhelm healthcare facilities in Edmonton.
“It is more patients than any of us want to count right now. It’s a disaster. It’s a one in every 15 to 25-year disaster,” he said.
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The fire broke out on Saturday and spread rapidly due to high winds, tearing through the fences of the military base, the Municipal District of Wainwright said.
The district first reported the incident at about 5:30 p.m. local time, or 11:30 p.m. GMT, although the exact time the fire started remained unclear.
McGuinty said he could not recall a similar incident in recent memory.
Local authorities urged residents to stay away from the affected area and give emergency vehicles the right of way as responders continued their work.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described the blaze as a “significant and tragic fire” affecting military personnel in the province.
Neighbourhood provinces also offered assistance. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said he had deployed resources to Alberta and was prepared to provide further support if needed, while British Columbia Premier David Eby said his government had offered all possible assistance.
Canadian Forces Base Wainwright is a major military training facility used for live-fire exercises. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported that about 690 military personnel and 300 civilian workers are typically on site on an average day.
BBC News
