PPCLI Battle school at CFB Wainwright. Image by Steve Bicknell, Google maps CC License.
WAINWRIGHT — At least seven people are reported dead and dozens more injured after a fast-moving fire swept through the training area at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright on Saturday, triggering a major military, medical and emergency response across Alberta.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has officially confirmed four Canadian Armed Forces members were killed and dozens more seriously injured. National Defence has not yet released a complete casualty count, while military sources have told numerous news outlets at least seven people died.
Carney described the incident as “one of the worst tragedies for the forces on Canadian soil in peacetime.”
“The nation is in mourning for those brave members of our Armed Forces we have lost,” Carney said Sunday.
He said the next of kin of the four confirmed fatalities had been notified and those affected included reservists and members of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry from military bases across the country.
Flags on federal buildings are being lowered to half-mast.
Premier Danielle Smith said Alberta is mourning alongside members of the military and their families.
“Alberta is mourning alongside the Canadian Armed Forces and the families, friends and colleagues of those affected by the tragic incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright yesterday,” Smith said in a social media statement.
“The loss of life and injuries are heartbreaking.”
National Defence said the fire ignited within the base’s training area at approximately 4 p.m. Saturday and spread rapidly beyond its boundaries as military and civilian emergency crews responded.
The cause remains under investigation.
Military sources have told numerous news outlets the fire may have begun during a live-fire training exercise, but National Defence has not confirmed what ignited the blaze.
The fire broke out during a period of extreme winds across Alberta, with gusts approaching 100 kilometres per hour in parts of the province.
The scale of the incident prompted a mass-casualty medical response.
Several Alberta hospitals declared Code Orange conditions to prepare for large numbers of severely injured patients. Injured personnel were treated in Wainwright and transported to hospitals in Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary.
STARS Air Ambulance dispatched aircraft from Edmonton and Saskatoon, while Saskatchewan also deployed emergency resources to Alberta and offered additional assistance if required.
Carney said military and civilian firefighters worked through the night under extremely difficult conditions.
The Municipal District of Wainwright reported the wildfire south of the community was being held by early Sunday, although crews continued monitoring the area.
Wainwright Mayor Bruce Pugh said the tragedy has deeply affected the community, where serving and retired military members live alongside civilian residents and maintain close ties with the base.
The Union of National Defence Employees, which represents civilian workers at military facilities, also issued a statement Sunday offering support to those affected.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the devastating fire at CFB Wainwright, especially the families, military personnel, civilian workers and community members impacted by this tragic incident,” national president June Winter said.
She also thanked firefighters, first responders and emergency personnel and said the union would continue supporting its members.
Defence Minister David McGuinty said the Canadian Armed Forces, National Defence, Public Safety, the Alberta government and municipal governments were working together to mobilize support.
“The Canadian Armed Forces, the Department of National Defence, partners across the federal government, including Public Safety, are working with the Government of Alberta and municipal governments to mobilize all necessary support,” McGuinty said.
Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan said the military’s immediate focus remained on those affected and their families.
“This is a profoundly difficult moment for the entire Canadian Armed Forces,” Carignan said. “Our immediate focus remains on supporting those affected, assisting emergency response efforts, and ensuring the well-being of our members, their families, and the surrounding community.”
National Defence said the full extent of the incident remains under assessment as casualty identification, next-of-kin notifications and the investigation continue.
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