4 killed, dozens seriously injured in fire at Canadian military base

EDMONTON, Canada (MNTV) – At least four people were killed and dozens seriously injured after a fast-moving fire swept through a Canadian military base in Alberta, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Sunday, describing the incident as one of the worst peacetime tragedies for the country’s armed forces.

“I regret that I can confirm at this time that Forest Service members have lost their lives and their next of kin have been notified. Dozens more are seriously wounded,” Carney told reporters.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said 39 people were hospitalized, with at least 19 in critical condition.

Speaking at a news conference Sunday afternoon, Smith said the patients had been transferred to four hospitals across Alberta and all had been accounted for.

During the news conference, Maj-Gen. L.W. Rutland said base officials had been aware of the fire for several hours, but “uncommonly strong winds” caused it to “spread rapidly” and change direction towards an administrative area of the training range.

“The fire was a kilometer away when the wind shifted. It is not normal for a fire to move a kilometer in 30 to 60 seconds,” he said.

The blaze broke out Saturday afternoon at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, about 200 kilometers (124 miles) southeast of Edmonton, spreading beyond a training area as strong winds hampered firefighting efforts.

“Yesterday afternoon, a violent, fast-moving fire swept through a Canadian Armed Forces base in Wainwright, Alberta,” Carney said. “What followed was one of the worst tragedies for the forces on Canadian soil in peacetime.”

Defense Minister David McGuinty confirmed that the incident caused casualties but withheld figures, describing the situation as “active and delicate.”

The Canadian Armed Forces said the fire was first reported around 4 pm local time (2200GMT) on a training range before spreading beyond its boundaries. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are investigating while military and civilian authorities coordinate the response.

Carney said military personnel and civilian crews battled the blaze throughout the night, while air ambulance crews flew in from Edmonton and Saskatoon to assist the injured.

“The nation is in mourning for those brave members of our armed forces we have lost,” he said, adding that flags on federal buildings would be flown at half-mast.

Alberta Premier Smith described the fire as “significant and tragic,” while Gen. Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defense Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces, said the military was working closely with authorities to support those affected.

Carney pledged long-term support for victims and their families.

“We will care for the injured through every step of their recovery, and we will stand by the women and men of our armed forces as they bear the weight of this loss,” he said. “They will not carry it alone.”