IQN (NewsDesk): Canada’s Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed on Saturday that people were killed and injured in a serious incident that started a fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta. He did not say how many had died or what caused the blaze, and described it as an event he could not recall the like of in recent memory.
Fire crews worked late into the night as strong winds pushed the flames beyond the base boundary into surrounding farmland. Global News, citing unnamed military sources, reported at least seven deaths and dozens of injuries, though officials have not confirmed those numbers.
Acute Care Alberta declared a Code Orange at several emergency rooms and urged Edmonton residents to avoid the University of Alberta hospital so patients from the base could be treated first. A doctor in Edmonton said hospitals closer to the base were completely overwhelmed, so casualties were being sent to facilities across the city.
The Canadian military and the RCMP are investigating. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the fire significant and tragic. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said his province is sending help.
