Defence Minister David McGuinty is en route to Alberta after a massive fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright killed and injured multiple people on Saturday.
“I am on my way to Edmonton,” the minister said in a post on X. “I will get briefed on the latest developments regarding the terrible incident that occurred at CFB Wainwright.”
Mr. McGuinty’s plane left Ottawa on Sunday morning.
He said the Department of National Defence is working closely with the government of Alberta and local authorities, and he thanked first responders, Canadian Armed Forces members, and provincial officials for their efforts.
“To the families and everyone in Wainwright: Canada stands with you,” Mr. McGuinty said.
The Department of National Defence said the incident began after a fire ignited at about 4 p.m. local time Saturday in the training area of the military base, which is located about 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.
“The fire spread rapidly beyond the boundaries of the training area, while military and civilian emergency services responded quickly to control that fire and to support those affected by this tragic event,” the department said in a written statement.
The government has declined to say how many people have died or were injured, citing the need to notify families first, but confirmed fatalities and injuries from the incident.
“As emergency responders continue their work and the situation continues to evolve, the full extent of the impact remains under assessment,” National Defence said.
More coming
Defence Minister David McGuinty says there have been deaths and injuries after a fire broke out Saturday at a military base in Alberta. McGuinty had few other details to share but he says the situation is unlike any other in recent memory.
The Canadian Press