Overview
- A large blaze started at or near Canadian Forces Base Wainwright and spread rapidly on Saturday evening because of strong, gusting winds that carried the fire across the base perimeter.
- Local and provincial responders, including Wainwright Fire & Rescue and Emergency Health Services, have been on scene providing medical care and coordinating transport.
- Defence Minister David McGuinty told reporters there have been fatalities and injuries, but the Department of National Defence and other officials have said casualty numbers and details remain unconfirmed.
- The incident has disrupted the nearby town: Elections Alberta closed the Wainwright Communiplex advance-vote site and officials urged people to keep roads clear for responders while no broad evacuation order has been reported.
- CFB Wainwright is a major training base and officials say high winds and an active investigation by military and police make the situation volatile, with federal and provincial authorities promising further confirmed updates.