At least four killed in wind-driven fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright

At least four people were killed and dozens seriously injured when a fast-moving fire swept through Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday afternoon, and Prime Minister Mark Carney called it one of the worst peacetime tragedies for the forces on Canadian soil.

The fire broke out on Saturday late afternoon at approximately 16:00 local time (22:00 GMT), as large areas of Alberta were hit by a windstorm with gusts of up to 100km/h. The municipal district of Wainwright said the fire had crossed the base’s fence earlier on Saturday and was spreading rapidly owing to the high winds. There was a subsequent explosion associated with the fire, though its nature has not been established. Firefighters from multiple jurisdictions were responding, and no evacuation order was in effect.

Carney addresses the nation

Carney addressed the nation from Ottawa on Sunday, saying a “violent, fast-moving fire swept through the base.” He requested a detailed account from military officials on the ground and asked that flags on all federal buildings be flown at half-mast. The names of the dead have not been identified, but their families have been informed. The Canadian armed forces said its immediate priority was notifying next of kin and helping those affected. Prior to Carney’s address, Canadian media reported the death toll as seven, citing unnamed military sources.

Hospitals overwhelmed

Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton declared a code orange on Saturday evening, a disaster response protocol for a high-casualty incident, and it was stood down on Sunday afternoon. Dr Warren Thirsk, an emergency department physician at the hospital, told CBC the facility was completely overwhelmed. “It is more patients than any of us want to count right now. It’s a disaster. It’s a one in every 15 to 25-year disaster,” he said. Alberta’s health service said the emergency response lasted 10 hours and involved 22 ambulances and eight aircraft. Air ambulances were dispatched from Saskatoon and Edmonton. Officials asked people in Edmonton to avoid the emergency department at the University of Alberta hospital to prioritise victims from the military base. Flares were spotted in the sky and military medical paratroopers dropped in on a local school football field. Ongoing care for the injured is expected to be intensive.

Investigation and official response

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities said there are no indications it was the result of terrorist activity. The RCMP are involved in the investigation. Local media reported the fire may have started when a gas main was struck during a live firing exercise, though that account is unconfirmed. The Department of National Defence is expected to provide a technical briefing to reporters later in the day. Defence Minister David McGuinty travelled to the scene to meet senior officials and first responders. On Saturday night, McGuinty described the situation as “active and delicate.” He said he could not recall an incident like this in recent memory. Gen Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff, called the incident a profoundly difficult moment for the entire Canadian armed forces.

Reactions and base context

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described the fire as heartbreaking and is due to travel to meet senior officials in Edmonton. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said he had spoken with Carney and the defence minister to offer support. Adm Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of the NATO military committee, posted condolences on social media. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said his province was sending assistance to Alberta. CFB Wainwright is home to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, and more than 1,000 people can be based there at any given time. The base’s airfield is also used by the Royal Canadian Air Force. The base is around 120 miles (193km) from Edmonton.

The nearby community of Wainwright provided hospital and firefighting support.