A large fire broke out at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, Canada, resulting in an unspecified number of deaths and injuries.
What happened
The fire occurred during a live-fire training exercise, with reports suggesting that a gas line or gas well was hit, causing the blaze. The incident happened at around 16:00 local time on Saturday, and the situation is still being assessed by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and local authorities.
According to the CAF, the full extent of the incident is still being evaluated, and details of casualties and injuries will not be made public until the assessment is complete. However, Canadian TV network Global News reported that at least seven people were killed and dozens more injured, citing unnamed military sources.
The fire spread rapidly due to high winds, tearing through the fences of the base, and local officials have urged residents to avoid the area and give all emergency vehicles right of way. The nearby town of Wainwright has been affected, with the mayor describing it as a "heavy day" for the community.
The Canadian government has offered support, with Prime Minister Mark Carney expressing his "thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected". Neighboring provinces have also mobilized in support, with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe deploying resources to Alberta and British Columbia Premier David Eby offering "all possible assistance".
