A fire that broke out inside the training area at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright has killed and injured multiple people, the Canadian Armed Forces confirmed in a statement dated Oct. 18.
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The military has not released a death or injury count. National Defence said it would withhold those details until next-of-kin notifications are complete.
Fire breaks out in base training area
National Defence said the fire ignited at approximately 4 p.m. MDT on Oct. 17 and spread rapidly beyond the boundaries of the training area. Military and civilian emergency services responded to control the blaze and assist those affected, the department said.
The department has not confirmed what ignited the fire or whether an explosion occurred. Canadian Armed Forces sources told Global News a live-fire training exercise struck a gas line or gas well on the base, triggering an explosion around 4 p.m., with the fire later spread by wind gusts up to 100 km/h. Officials have not confirmed that account.
At least seven people dead and dozens more injured, according to multiple military sources, though the figure has not been confirmed by the Canadian Armed Forces.
Code Orange activated across Alberta
Acute Care Alberta said Code Orange had been activated at several acute care facilities across the province to co-ordinate the response while continuing to meet routine emergency needs.
The agency said significant resources were required from provincial emergency medical services and Edmonton-area emergency departments, and that extremely few emergency medical response units were available in the Edmonton area at the time of its statement.
Edmonton-area residents needing emergency care for life-threatening illness or injury were asked to avoid the University of Alberta Hospital emergency department if possible and seek care at another Edmonton acute care facility. Those with non-emergency concerns were directed to primary care, urgent care or Health Link at 811.
Military and federal response
Defence Minister David McGuinty said federal departments, including Public Safety, are working with the Government of Alberta and municipal governments to mobilize support.
“This is a profoundly difficult moment for the entire Canadian Armed Forces,” said Gen. Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff.
Lt.-Gen. Michael Wright, commander of the Canadian Army, said soldiers, civilian personnel and emergency responders are working closely with local authorities to respond to the situation.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and injuries resulting from this incident,” said Wright, adding the Canadian Army “remains committed to supporting those affected.”
McGuinty said the RCMP is involved in investigating the matter and that public safety officials are coordinating the response.
Impact on the Wainwright community
CFB Wainwright is a major employer and training site in the region, a community that has seen its share of local headlines in recent months, including a shelter-in-place order issued by Wainwright RCMP earlier this month.
In an update posted at 10:47 p.m. MDT Oct. 17, the Municipal District of Wainwright No. 61 said the wildfire south of town was being held, with crews maintaining a fire watch to monitor for changing conditions. The municipality asked residents to avoid the incident area and keep roads clear for emergency personnel.
The municipality said its incident information line has closed and directed inquiries about loved ones to the public affairs office at 819-531-8618. Elections Alberta said the Wainwright Communiplex advance voting location closed because of the fire.
Among those affected is a Canadian Armed Forces member reported to be among the critically injured, according to a public Facebook post from his mother, Cathy Keane, a mayoral candidate in Oro-Medonte, Ont., who said her family was notified overnight.
The Canadian Armed Forces said it will provide additional information as it becomes available. Meridian Source will continue to follow developments on this story.
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