By Haitian Tribune Staff
October 18,
A fast-moving fire swept through Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday, killing four service members and seriously injuring dozens, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Sunday. Strong winds pushed flames beyond the base and into nearby rural areas.
The fire began in a training area at the base, about 210 kilometers east of Edmonton. Carney said the people killed and injured had been taking part in military training. Those affected included reservists and members of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry who had traveled from bases across Canada. Families of the four confirmed fatalities have been notified.
The casualty count may change. Carney confirmed four deaths, but CBC News later reported seven, citing unnamed sources. Reuters reported that Canadian authorities had not confirmed the higher figure. Officials have not released a final number of injured people.
Hospitals across Alberta activated “Code Orange” procedures to coordinate care for large numbers of severely injured patients. Wainwright’s local hospital was overwhelmed, and patients were transported by ambulance, helicopter and aircraft to facilities in Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary. Alberta health officials said ambulance resources in the Edmonton area were stretched, and urged people to avoid the University of Alberta Hospital emergency department if possible.
Winds reaching about 100 kilometers per hour made the response more difficult. By late Saturday, local officials said the fire was being held and that nearby property and critical infrastructure were protected. No evacuation order had been issued for Wainwright, a town of about 7,000 people.
The Canadian Armed Forces said there was no indication of terrorism, but investigators had not determined the cause. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police were called to the base shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday and are participating in the investigation. Defense Minister David McGuinty described the situation as active and delicate and said he was traveling to Edmonton to receive a briefing.
Carney called the incident one of the most serious peacetime tragedies to affect Canada’s military on home soil. He said flags on federal buildings would be lowered in honor of those killed and injured. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described the fire as a major tragedy, while Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said his province was sending assistance.
The blaze also disrupted advance voting at two locations, in Lloydminster and Vermilion, ahead of Monday’s Alberta referendum. Elections Alberta said the sites closed early Saturday and that ballots were transported securely.
The investigation and casualty figures remain ongoing. CFB Wainwright is a major Canadian Army training base. The fire’s cause, the full number of casualties and the circumstances surrounding the incident have yet to be established.
By Haitian Tribune Staff
