Multiple people killed after explosion, major fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta

Pruden Edmonton Published 4 hours agoUpdated 45 minutes ago Open this photo in gallery: Ambulances park outside Wainwright Health Centre after an explosion and fire at a Canadian Forces Base in Wainwright, Alta. Matthew Scace/The Globe and Mail Comments Save for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story. Log InCreate an account An incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday caused fatalities and injuries, the Defence Minister confirmed, after emergency officials reported that a fire fanned . “I cannot recall an incident like this in recent memory,” Defence Minister David McGuinty told reporters. “This is a very, very active and delicate situation.” Few details were available about what had happened. Gina Slaney said she had been authorized to speak on behalf of the Canadian Forces, to confirm that a fire was reported at the base around 4 p. m., and had extended beyond the boundaries of the training area. She said she could not confirm injuries or fatalities, but that RCMP around the province had been called out to help. Alberta MP Dane Lloyd said in a social media post on Saturday night that there was an explosion and fire in high winds. “Hearing terrible news out of CFB Wainwright,” Mr. Lloyd wrote. “Please keep our soldiers, their families and the community of Wainwright in your prayers. God be with them all.” STARS Air Ambulance spokesperson Natalie Hofstetter said aircraft had been dispatched from Edmonton and Saskatoon. In a social media post, Premier Danielle Smith said there was “a significant and tragic fire at CFB Wainwright that is affecting many of our brave military personnel.” She said the province is in close contact with the federal government and Prime Minister Mark Carney as the situation evolves. Carney also posted on social media that “a serious incident creating a major fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta.” He added: “Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected.” A post on the Municipal District of Wainwright Facebook page says a large fire originating near the Canadian Forces Base spread rapidly due to high winds. It said emergency responders “are actively assessing the situation and working to protect people, property, and critical infrastructure.” A second update said the local government has set up an emergency co-ordination centre but that there was no order for residents to evacuate. Suzanne Lalande, a spokesperson with the Department of National Defence, said in an e-mail that the department is aware of “an incident in Wainwright, Alberta,” and will provide additional information as it becomes available and can be confirmed. “The safety and security of our personnel, their families, and members of the surrounding community remain our highest priority,” Ms.