# Fire and deaths at Canadian military base in Alberta

> A major fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright kills and injures people after an incident Saturday, forcing evacuations and emergency response across multiple jurisdictions.
- Title: Fire and deaths at Canadian military base in Alberta
- Summary: A major fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright kills and injures people after an incident Saturday, forcing evacuations and emergency response across…
- Keywords: canadian forces base wainwright, alberta, military incident, fire, david mcguinty, canada, news, deaths, Canadian, military, base, ABC News
- Source: ABC News — https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/major-fire-breaks-alberta-after-deadly-incident-military-137354452
- Author: ABC News
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: canadian forces base wainwright, alberta, military incident, fire, david mcguinty, canada, news
## Deaths and injuries at military base
Canada's Defense Minister David McGuinty said people were killed and injured in an incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta that caused a major fire on Saturday.

> I'm saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base.
## Fire spreads across base perimeter
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police responded shortly after four p.m. Saturday to reports of fire in a training area. The fire crossed the military base's perimeter fence and spread rapidly in high winds.
## Emergency response underway
The Canadian Armed Forces and federal, provincial and local authorities coordinated the emergency response. Firefighters from multiple jurisdictions responded. The nearby community of Wainwright provided hospital and firefighting support.
## Base location and purpose
Canadian Forces Base Wainwright is about one hundred eighty kilometres southeast of Edmonton. It is one of Canada's busiest military training bases where soldiers prepare for combat operations.
## Political leaders respond
Prime Minister Mark Carney said the federal government was working closely with Alberta officials. Premier Danielle Smith described the fire as significant and tragic, affecting many military personnel.
## Fire disrupts Alberta referendum voting
The fire disrupted advance voting ahead of Monday's referendum on whether Alberta should begin a process that could lead to independence from Canada. Two polling locations closed early Saturday.
## Key takeaway

People were killed and injured in an incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta that sparked a major fire spreading rapidly in high winds Saturday.