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Several people have been killed and injured in a shocking incident at the Canadian military base in Alberta that caused a huge fire.
Sharing details of the incident, Canada's defence minister, David McGuinty, said on Saturday, October 17, "I'm saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base."
Where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, located abut 112 miles southeast of Edmond.
Cause of the incident and the exact number of casualities have not been revealed, as McGuinty said that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were involved in the investigation and described the situation as "very, very active and delicate".
The Canadian Armed Forces and federal, provincial and local authorities were coordinating the emergency response, he said. The nearby community of Wainwright was providing hospital and firefighting support.
Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the fire had stemmed from "a serious incident," without specifying details.
Fire's spreading to a nearby town
Moreover, the Municipal District of Wainwright said the fire crossed the base's fence earlier Saturday and was spreading rapidly due to high winds.
Firefighters from multiple jurisdictions were responding, and no evacuation order was in effect.
About the Canadian Forces Base Wainwright
Canadian Forces Base Wainwright is one of Canada's busiest military training bases, where soldiers prepare for combat operations.
The base includes the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, which conducts realistic battlefield exercises, and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, which provides military training.
Notably, the fire came days before the province is set to vote on beginning a process that could lead to its seeking independence from Canada.
