A fire at the Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in central Alberta has claimed an unknown number of lives and injured others.
“I cannot recall an incident like this in recent memory,” Minister of National Defence David McGuinty said on Saturday night.
“This is a very, very active and delicate situation.”
Acute Care Alberta says EMS are on the scene providing care and transport related to the emergency at the military base about 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.
McGuinty said he was saddened to share that people have died and been injured as a result of “an incident on the base.”
“At this time, our thoughts are with the families and with everyone impacted by this tragic event,” McGuinty said.
“And I want to thank, in particular, the first responders and everyone providing assistance at a very difficult time.”
Alberta Member of Parliament Dane Lloyd said he heard there were “significant casualties” after an explosion and fire at the base.
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Lloyd, who represents a riding west of Edmonton, asked in a social media post for people to pray for the soldiers and their families.
A fire on the base was spreading due to high winds, according to the Municipal District of Wainwright. Much of Alberta was under wind warnings on Saturday, and guts of up to 100 km/h were reported in parts of the province.
The municipality established an emergency coordination centre Saturday night. An update around 7 p.m. said the fire south of Wainwright crossed the base fence earlier in the day and was being actively managed. The active fire area is south of Township Road 44-0.
Firefighting resources from multiple jurisdictions are actively responding, the district said.
Premier Danielle Smith has also confirmed the incident, saying there has been a “significant and tragic fire” at CFB Wainwright.
In a post on social media, the premier added the incident has affected many military personnel.
She added that the province is in contact with the federal government and the prime minister.
McGuinty said the Canadian Armed Forces, the Department of National Defence and the federal government will have more to share in the coming days.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney also posted on social media that his thoughts are with all the brave men and women affected.
Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Official Opposition and Member of Parliament for Battle River—Crowfoot, put out a message saying: “Pray for Wainwright, everyone. There has been a serious incident that caused a fire at CFB Wainwright. Thank you to the brave firefighters and emergency responders working to save lives.
Poilievre said he spoke with the prime minister and the Minister of Defence to offer his support to everyone on the base and in the community.
“To everyone in the area, please stay safe, follow local emergency instructions, and keep roads clear for first responders,” Poilievre said.
FIRMS (NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System) tracks active fires by satellite and shows a cluster of them on Saturday just to the southeast of the town of Wainwright.
Elections Alberta said it has been informed of the fire, which impacts the Wainwright Communiplex Advance Vote location, which has been closed.
There are two advance vote locations in Electoral Division 86:
- Border Inn, Lloydminster
- Vermilion Elks Hall, Vermilion
Ballot boxes and materials from Wainwright are being moved securely.
This is a breaking news story. More to come…
— with files from The Canadian Press
No reason to read comments anymore, as they are inundated with little minds yelling from their caves.
Young adult of BC
F@uck humanity for separatist.
Who gave one of the jeets a grenade?
Looking at the state of our military lately, I’m not surprised anything like this happened at all. It’s just DEI losers now.
My thoughts go out to those who lost family members in this and hopefully the fire can be dealt with before causing too much more damage. I am absolutely appalled at the fact that there are people on here using this post to comment about politics when they should be showing some basic human empathy for those who have been affected by this tragedy. Shame on all of you.
I love you separatist!
Guts? Gusts?
Incontinentia Bucket
Good and good luck on that. Trump awaits you, well your oil anyway. As for the people he couldn’t care if you all die.
P.S. if pp had won the election none of this would be happening, stomping feet and crying for separation.
Carey’s parting gift…
Just saying… Replacing explosive mines with triggers that set off swarm drones or any other so multiple targets can be attacked?
Imagine coin sized drone ripping through military personnel in to cover areas that are too large for a conventional grenade but too small to warrant arial assault?
Carney will do nothing as usual.
@F.U.
I don’t think anybody asked for help. We can take care of ourselves just fine in the fine soon to be country of Alberta. You are not needed.
Day late and a dollar short always for Carney.
Some real weirdos on here but I’ll take them all! I can also help by sending some of my people to pee on the fire.
Carney has no clue what is going on as he is to busy being Elbows Up.
Come n effin get me you purple haired tyrant mice.
Who chooses the cold hard slab that are not easily recognizable as the left?
It is time for change from the top down.
Incontinentia Buckets
Nope, You want to separate then don’t expect help from anyone besides your bum chums.
Here’s the choice:
You lay your neck along the cold hard slab still damp from the blood of its last occupant and await inevitability.
Or;
You fight hopelessly against the meat grinder that has eaten millions of men alive to the shrug of shoulders well maintained in soft fabric and other soft things.
Or;
Without warning, foreseeing what is to come, end the lives of innocent people to turn everyone, instead of just you, against the meat grinder that is the mistake the callous refuse to take ownership of.
What do you choose?
@F. U.
Awe, are you salty? Did we hurt your itty bitty feelings?
My thoughts are with all the brave men and women affected. Man, that sounds empty typing it.
Carney is such a twat. But even though I dislike him so, I find quite ridiculous to say this is his fault. Get real. We can’t blame for everything!
Burn baby Burn. Separatist deserve no help.
Carney need to be held accountable for his negligence.
Another fail by Carney.