The deadly incident occurred at the Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, Canada, on Saturday, Oct. 17

NEED TO KNOW

• A fire broke out at the Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, Canada, on Saturday, Oct. 17
• At least seven people were reportedly killed and multiple others injured in the blast
• “I cannot recall an incident like this in recent memory,” Defense Minister David McGuinty said of the incident

Several people have died and multiple others are injured following a fire at a Canadian military base.

At approximately 4 p.m. local time on Saturday, Oct. 17, a fire erupted in the training area of the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright in Alberta, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) confirmed in a news release.

“The fire spread rapidly beyond the boundaries of the training area, while military and civilian emergency services responded quickly to control that fire and to support those affected by this tragic event,” the CAF said in the news release. “As emergency responders continue their work and the situation evolves, the full extent of the impact remains under assessment.”

“Our immediate priority is supporting those affected and notifying next of kin,” they added.

At least seven people have died due to the incident, Canadian TV network Global News reported. However, the CAF has not yet confirmed the number of fatalities and injuries, nor the extent of the injuries.

The victims of the blaze have not been identified publicly at this time.

According to a Facebook post from the Municipal District of Wainwright No. 61, the fire “spread rapidly due to high winds” in the area, causing wildfires. The winds reached around 62 mph in the region, the BBC reported.

“Emergency responders are actively assessing the situation and working to protect people, property, and critical infrastructure,” the Facebook post read. The public was warned to avoid the area amid the fire.

The blaze reportedly broke out during a training session at the military base, but the cause remains unclear, CBC News reported.

“Early reports were that there was a fire at a training area,” the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said in a statement to the National Post. “The RCMP sent numerous resources to assist. Our initial involvement is winding down, though we still have resources available if needed.”

During a press conference on Saturday, Defense Minister David McGuinty said, “The CAF, the Department of National Defense, partners across the federal government, including Public Safety, are working with the Government of Alberta and municipal governments to mobilize all necessary support.”

McGuinty added that he “cannot recall an incident like this in recent memory.”

The injured are receiving treatment at the University of Alberta Hospital and Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton under a code orange, which signals a high number of patients, according to CBC News. The total number of patients is not yet clear.

“It is more patients than any of us want to count right now. It’s a disaster. It’s a one in every 15 to 25-year disaster,” said Warren Thirsk, an emergency department doctor at Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, per the BBC.

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Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the situation in a statement on Facebook, “A serious incident creating a major fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta. Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected. We are working closely with the Government of Alberta and local authorities.”

In an update shared on Facebook early Sunday morning, the Municipal District of Wainwright No. 61 confirmed that the wildfire has been contained. 

PEOPLE has reached out to the CAF, CFB Wainwright and RCMP for further comment.

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