OTTAWA — 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 confirmed Sunday, describing the incident as one of the country’s worst peacetime military tragedies.
The blaze broke out Saturday afternoon at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, approximately 200 kilometers southeast of Edmonton, spreading beyond a military training area as strong winds complicated firefighting operations.
“Yesterday afternoon, a violent, fast-moving fire swept through Canadian Armed Forces base in Wainwright, Alberta,” Carney told reporters.
“What followed was one of the worst tragedies for the forces on Canadian soil in peacetime,” he said.
Carney confirmed that four people had died and dozens more were seriously wounded, adding that the victims’ families had been notified.
“I regret that I can confirm at this time that Forest Service members have lost their lives, and their next of kin has been notified. Dozens more are seriously wounded,” he said.
The Canadian Armed Forces said the fire was first reported at approximately 4 p.m. local time Saturday on a training range before spreading beyond its boundaries.
Military personnel and civilian firefighters battled the flames throughout the night, while air ambulance crews were dispatched from Edmonton and Saskatoon to transport and treat the injured.
Defense Minister David McGuinty confirmed that the incident had caused casualties but declined to provide figures, describing the situation as “active and delicate.”
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have launched an investigation into the incident, while military and civilian authorities continue coordinating emergency operations.
“The nation is in mourning for those brave members of our armed forces we have lost,” Carney said, announcing that flags on federal buildings would be flown at half-mast.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described the fire as “significant and tragic,” while Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan said the military was working closely with authorities to assist those affected.
Carney pledged continued government support for the injured and the families of those who died.
“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.” The cause of the fire has not yet been established.
Source: Saudi Gazette