Major Fire Breaks Out In Alberta After Deadly Incident At Military Base

An incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta caused a major fire, with deaths and injuries reported by Defence Minister David McGuinty. The cause and casualty figures were not disclosed, and authorities described the response and investigation as active and delicate.

The fire crossed the base’s fence and spread rapidly in high winds; firefighters from several jurisdictions responded, while nearby Wainwright provided hospital and firefighting support. No evacuation order was in effect. The base, about 180 kilometres southeast of Edmonton, is a major military training site, and federal, provincial and local authorities were coordinating the response.