Fatalities and Injuries Reported as Fire Sweeps Canadian Military Base in Alberta

Canada's defense minister said Saturday that people were killed and injured in an incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta that set off a major fire, but officials gave no casualty numbers and no cause.

"I'm saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base," Defense Minister David McGuinty said. He said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are investigating and described the situation as "very, very active and delicate."

RCMP officers were called shortly after 4 p.m. about a fire in a training area at the base. The Municipal District of Wainwright said the fire crossed the base's perimeter fence and spread rapidly in high winds. Firefighters from multiple jurisdictions responded. No evacuation order was in effect Saturday night.

The Canadian Armed Forces and federal, provincial and local authorities are coordinating the response, and the nearby town of Wainwright is providing hospital and firefighting support. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said his province is sending help but did not say what resources. Gen. Jennie Carignan, the chief of the defence staff, called it "a serious incident at CFB Wainwright."

Prime Minister Mark Carney said he and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith are in close contact. "Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected," he wrote. Smith called the fire "significant and tragic" and said it affects many military personnel. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said he spoke with Carney and McGuinty, urged residents to follow emergency instructions and asked people to keep roads clear for first responders. "Pray for Wainwright, everyone," he wrote.

The base, about 112 miles southeast of Edmonton, is one of Canada's busiest military training sites. It houses the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre.

The fire also disrupted advance voting ahead of Monday's referendum on whether Alberta should begin a process that could lead to independence from Canada. Elections Alberta said two polling locations, in Lloydminster and Vermilion, closed early Saturday, and their ballots were transported securely.

Officials said more information would follow. Authorities have not said how many service members or civilians were among the dead and injured, where on the base the fire began, or whether the fire and the earlier incident are connected.

The referendum question is not a simple vote on leaving. Alberta voters will be asked whether to remain in Canada or to launch a formal process toward a later referendum on independence. Smith has said that if the remain side wins she will listen to the will of the people and will not call another independence vote. Carney has called the push a dangerous bluff and has said Ottawa is examining whether the question is consistent with the Clarity Act, the 2000 federal law on the conditions for secession negotiations. The base fire has not been tied to the vote, and officials have not said whether polling arrangements in the Wainwright area will change on Monday.