Deaths Confirmed After Serious Incident and Major Fire at CFB Wainwright in Albertaਅਲਬਰਟਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਵੇਨਰਾਈਟ ਫ਼ੌਜੀ ਅੱਡੇ ਉੱਤੇ ਗੰਭੀਰ ਘਟਨਾ ਅਤੇ ਅੱਗ, ਮੌਤਾਂ ਦੀ ਪੁਸ਼ਟੀ

People have been killed and injured in a serious incident that sparked a major fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday, Canada's defence minister has confirmed. Officials have not released a casualty count or said what caused the incident, which they described as very active and delicate, and a large fire was still being monitored on Saturday evening.

What officials have said

Defence Minister David McGuinty told reporters in Ottawa on Saturday evening that he was saddened to share that there had been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base. He did not say how many people were killed or injured, or what caused the situation, and said he could not recall an incident like this in recent memory. McGuinty said the fire was still being monitored very closely and that the Canadian Armed Forces, the Department of National Defence and federal partners, including public safety officials, were working with the Government of Alberta and municipal governments to mobilise all necessary support. He thanked first responders and everyone providing assistance.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said on social media that a serious incident creating a major fire had occurred at CFB Wainwright, that the government's thoughts were with all the brave women and men affected, and that Ottawa was working closely with the Government of Alberta and local authorities, with the prime minister and the Alberta premier in close contact. General Jennie Carignan, the chief of the defence staff, said the Canadian forces are fully engaged with federal, provincial and local authorities and that the priority remains the welfare of members, their families and their community. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are involved in investigating the incident.

Fire crossed the base fence

The Municipal District of Wainwright said the fire had crossed the base fence into the nearby district and was spreading rapidly because of high winds, but no evacuation orders had been issued. Firefighters from multiple jurisdictions were helping to fight the blaze. McGuinty said Wainwright was providing hospital space and its firefighting services, alongside federal support. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described the fire as significant and tragic and said it was affecting many military personnel, adding that Alberta's government was in close contact with the Government of Canada. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said he had spoken with the prime minister and the defence minister to offer support, and urged people in the area to stay safe, follow local emergency instructions and keep roads clear for first responders.

About CFB Wainwright

CFB Wainwright, about 210 kilometres southeast of Edmonton, is one of Canada's busiest military training bases, where soldiers prepare for combat operations. The base had 1,310 military and civilian personnel stationed there as of the 2021 census, and the town of Wainwright, just north of the base, has a population of about 6,600. Alberta is home to a large Punjabi community, many of whose families have members serving in or working alongside the Canadian Armed Forces, and news of deaths at a major Alberta base was followed closely across the diaspora on Saturday night.

What remains unknown

Officials have not said what caused the incident, how the fire started, or whether it has been brought under control. No official number of fatalities or injuries had been released by early Sunday, and McGuinty cautioned that the situation was still developing. Authorities are expected to provide more detailed information as the investigation proceeds. Anyone in the area has been urged to stay clear and follow instructions from local authorities while emergency work continues.

How many people died at CFB Wainwright?

Officials have confirmed there were fatalities, but they have not released a number. Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed deaths and injuries on Saturday evening without giving casualty figures.

Where is CFB Wainwright?

Canadian Forces Base Wainwright is in east-central Alberta, about 210 kilometres southeast of Edmonton, next to the town of Wainwright. It is one of Canada's busiest army training bases.

What caused the fire at CFB Wainwright?

The cause has not been announced. The Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP are investigating the incident, and officials say the situation remains active and delicate.

Were nearby residents ordered to evacuate?

No. The Municipal District of Wainwright said the fire crossed the base fence into the nearby district, but no evacuation orders had been issued, and residents were urged to stay clear of the area.