The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Fatalities reported in CFB Wainwright military base fire, Carney says
The incident took place at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, about 210 km (130 miles) east of Edmonton, Carney posted on social media.
A major fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta left fatalities and injuries, according to Defense Minister David McGuinty.
McGuinty told reporters in Ottawa that there were fatalities and injuries as a result of the incident at the base, located about 210 km east of Edmonton. He did not specify numbers or the cause.
The fire was described as a serious incident creating a major blaze, with ongoing firefighting efforts on Saturday evening. McGuinty said authorities could not recall an incident like this in recent memory.
The Canadian military and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are investigating the incident, according to the defense minister. Officials indicated they were working with federal, provincial, and local authorities.
CFB Wainwright reportedly hosted about 1,310 military and civilian personnel as of 2021, with the town of Wainwright nearby. Reports indicated the fire had crossed the base fence into the surrounding district, though no evacuation orders had been issued.
Canada’s Chief of Defense Staff, General Jennie Carignan, stated that Canadian forces are fully engaged with authorities and that welfare of members and their families remains a priority.