OTTAWA (AFP) - An explosion and major fire at a Canadian military base in Alberta has left people dead and injured, Defense Minister David McGuinty confirmed, while local authorities later said the blaze was under control after strong winds spread flames beyond the facility.
“I’m saddened to share that there have been seven deaths and injuries as a result of an incident on the base,” McGuinty told reporters.
He was referring to Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, east of the provincial capital Edmonton, but did not provide casualty figures.
McGuinty also did not disclose the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether the explosion involved weapons or ammunition, describing the situation as “active and delicate.”
The Canadian Armed Forces said the fire was first reported around 4 pm local time (2200GMT) on a training range at the base before spreading beyond the training area’s boundary.
He said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were investigating, while the Canadian Armed Forces and federal, provincial, and municipal authorities were coordinating their response.
Local media cited an email by the Mounted Police that said officers were called to assist shortly after 4 pm following reports of a fire in a training area. Multiple police resources were deployed, with their initial emergency response winding down but personnel remaining available if needed.
Gen. Jennie Carignan, chief of the Defense Staff, said the military was fully engaged with federal, provincial, and local authorities.
“Our priority remains the welfare of our members, their families and their community, and my thoughts are with all those affected by this incident,” she said on US social media company X.
Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier described the incident as “serious,” saying it had caused a major fire at the base.