Deadly incident at Canada's CFB Wainwright sparks major fire as Edmonton hospitals take in the injured

What happened at CFB Wainwright

Canada's defense minister, David McGuinty, said Saturday that people were killed and injured in an incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, and that the incident caused a major fire. According to ABC News and NPR, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said officers were called shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday after reports of a fire in a training area at the base.

The number of people killed or injured was not immediately clear, all three outlets reported. McGuinty said authorities were still working to determine what happened and expected to release more information.

What military and federal officials said

"I'm saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base," McGuinty said, according to CBS News. He said the RCMP was involved in the investigation and called the situation "very, very active and delicate."

Gen. Jennie Carignan, chief of the defense staff for the Canadian Armed Forces, said in a social media post that the military was dealing with a serious incident and was fully engaged with federal, provincial and local authorities, CBS News reported. She said the priority was the welfare of members, their families and their community.

Hospitals strained by the number of patients

A doctor in Edmonton, about 180 km (120 miles) northwest of the base, told CBC News that patients were being sent to hospitals across that city because facilities near the base were "completely overwhelmed." Dr. Warren Thirsk, an emergency physician at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, called it "a one in every 15 to 25-year disaster," as quoted by NPR and ABC News.

The nearby town

The town of Wainwright, near the base, has about 7,000 residents, according to ABC News and NPR. CBS News reported that the community was providing hospital and firefighting support as the Canadian Armed Forces and federal, provincial and local authorities coordinated the emergency response.

High winds pushed the fire past the base

The Municipal District of Wainwright said the fire crossed the base's fence earlier Saturday and was spreading rapidly because of high winds, CBS News reported. ABC News and NPR said large parts of the province were hit by a windstorm with gusts up to 100 kilometres an hour, which toppled trees and sent signs flying.

By 11 p.m., the municipal district said on social media that the fire was being held and that property and critical infrastructure were protected. There was no evacuation order for residents, according to the reports.

Help from a neighboring province

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said his province was sending assistance to Alberta but did not say what resources were being deployed, ABC News and NPR reported. Firefighters from multiple jurisdictions were responding, according to CBS News.

Political leaders respond

Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a social media post, "Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected." Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the fire "significant and tragic" and said it was affecting many military personnel. CBS News reported that neither Carney nor Smith gave details about the cause.

Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said he had spoken with Carney and the defense minister to offer support. He urged people in the area to follow emergency instructions and keep roads clear for first responders.

About the base

CFB Wainwright is one of Canada's busiest military training bases, where soldiers prepare for combat operations, the outlets reported. It is home to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, which runs realistic battlefield exercises, and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre.

Disruption to Alberta's referendum voting

The fire also disrupted advance voting ahead of Monday's referendum on whether Alberta should begin a process that could lead to independence from Canada, according to ABC News and NPR. Elections Alberta said two polling locations, in Lloydminster and Vermilion, closed early Saturday and the ballots were transported securely. More coverage from outside Nevada is collected in our Nation section.

What to watch next

• Official figures on how many people were killed and injured, which were not clear as of the reports.
• Findings from the RCMP-involved investigation into what happened on the base.
• Further information that McGuinty said authorities expected to provide.
• Monday's Alberta referendum on beginning a process that could lead to independence from Canada.