Deadly Fire at Military Base Leaves Several Casualties

A major fire at a military base in Alberta, Canada, has caused several casualties, the country’s defence minister said.

Firefighters worked late into Saturday night as strong winds drove the flames into the countryside near Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright, one of Canada’s busiest military training bases, according to Al Jazeera.

Several people were killed or injured following a fire sparked by an unspecified “serious incident”.

The cause of the fire remains unclear, but a large number of patients were taken to hospital. One official described it as a “once-in-15-to-25-years disaster”.

Officials said the fire began at the base in Wainwright, a town in eastern Alberta, before spreading rapidly because of strong winds.

Defence Minister David McGuinty said in a video statement that “there have been fatalities and injuries as a result of the incident at the base”.

“With a heavy heart, I share that there have been fatalities and injuries as a result of the incident at the military base,” National Defence Minister David McGuinty said.

He added that the situation at the site was “very complex”.

Canadian broadcaster Global News reported that at least seven people had died and dozens more were injured, citing unnamed military sources.

Global News reported that a gas line or gas well was hit during live-fire training, causing an explosion that ignited the blaze.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said a “serious incident” was responsible for the fire.

“Our hearts and prayers are with all the brave women and men affected.”