Overview
- A fast-moving blaze ignited in a training area at CFB Wainwright on Saturday and spread beyond the base as high winds fanned the flames.
- Defence Minister David McGuinty and the Canadian Armed Forces confirmed there were fatalities and multiple injuries but are withholding final casualty figures pending next-of-kin notification.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney said four service members died while media outlets reported higher death counts, creating public variation in totals.
- Hospitals declared a code orange, Edmonton-area medical centres were overwhelmed and many injured people were transferred to larger hospitals for treatment.
- The RCMP and the Canadian Armed Forces are leading inquiries into the cause; unverified reports say a live-fire round may have struck a gas line or well, and the military says there is no indication of terrorism.