Deadly fire at Canadian military base kills several

A deadly fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, Canada, has left several people dead and others injured, prompting a large-scale emergency response, according to Canadian authorities.

The fire broke out in the base’s training area at around 4PM on Saturday (October 17, local time) and spread beyond the training ground amid strong winds, the Canadian Department of National Defence said. Military and civilian emergency crews were deployed to contain the blaze and assist those affected.

Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed the deaths and injuries but did not disclose the casualty figures or the cause of the fire. The Canadian Armed Forces said the full extent of the incident remained under assessment.

However, Global News, citing unnamed military sources, reported that at least seven people had been killed and dozens injured. Authorities have yet to confirm the reported toll.

The fire also put pressure on hospitals in Edmonton as emergency services dealt with a large number of injured people. Local authorities urged residents to avoid the affected area and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

The Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and local authorities are investigating the incident. Strong winds, with gusts reaching 100 kilometres per hour, reportedly contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

-AH