The base is close to Wainwright, a town roughly 180 kilometers (112 miles) southeast of Edmonton.
Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday said a “serious incident” led to a large fire at a military base in Alberta.
Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected. The Prime Minister, however, did not provide details about what caused the fire or whether anyone was injured.
In a post on social media, Carney said: “A serious incident creating a major fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta.
Carney said the federal government was working closely with Alberta officials and local authorities. He said he and Smith were in close contact, as were their ministers and officials. Member of Parliament Dane Lloyd, who represents a riding west of Edmonton, said he’s heard there were “significant casualties” in the “explosion” and fire at the military base, according to CBC news.
He urged people in the area to follow emergency instructions and keep roads clear for first responders.
Canadian Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said he had spoken with Carney and the defense minister to offer support to those affected by the fire. “Pray for Wainwright, everyone,” Poilievre said on social media. The Municipal District of Wainwright said it has established an emergency co-ordination centre. Multiple jurisdictions are actively responding, and residents should avoid visiting the Wainwright Health Centre unless there is “a critical medical need”, it said, according to CBC news.
