CFB Wainwright: Fatalities and injuries after Alberta base explosion

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An explosion and fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright east of Edmonton has resulted in a number of fatalities and injuries, the Canadian Armed Forces has confirmed.

The CAF said in a statement that the fire started in the training area at about 4 p.m. on Saturday and had spread “rapidly beyond the boundaries” of the location. The statement noted military and civilian emergency personnel responded quickly to control the fire.

“As emergency responders continue their work and the situation continues to evolve, the full extent of the impact remains under assessment,” said the statement. “Our immediate priority is supporting those affected and notifying next of kin.”

The CAF won’t confirm the number of injured and deceased until the notification process is completed.

Wainwright RCMP noted in a news release that it had sent “numerous resources to assist” on Saturday. While its involvement had wound down, “we still have resources available if needed.”

Emergency Health Services Alberta was also on scene to aid in the care and transport of those affected by the fire, the Edmonton Journal reported.

A number of hospitals in Alberta, such as the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton and the University of Alberta Hospital, were under code orange on Saturday night.

Code orange is an emergency protocol that’s activated in a mass casualty incident.

A doctor from Royal Alexandra Hospital confirmed to the Edmonton Journal that the code orange was due to the explosion and fire at CFB Wainwright.

Albertans were asked to avoid the University of Alberta Hospital and seek care at other emergency facilities, or primary care providers, urgent care centres or Health Link for non-emergency needs.

High winds had spread the fire

High winds had caused the fire to spread in the area on Saturday night, the Municipal District of Wainwright stated, as reported by CTV News.

Social media posts from the municipality said emergency personnel were actively working to “protect people, property and critical infrastructure.”

Parts of Alberta saw wind gusts of up to 100 km/h on Saturday. Wainwright officials told CTV News the spread of the fire was under control late Saturday night.

‘Difficult moment’

Carney, Smith in ‘close contact’

Prime Minister Mark Carney stated on social media on Saturday night that he and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith were in “close contact” as the emergency response continued in Wainwright.

“A serious incident creating a major fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta,” Carney wrote. “Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected. We are working closely with the Government of Alberta and local authorities. Premier Smith and I are in close contact as are our relevant ministers and officials.”

Smith said on social media that the fire was “significant and tragic” and affected “many of our brave military personnel.”

“Thank you to the first responders and all those providing care and support to those affected,” said Smith.

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