Deadly fire breaks out at Canada military base
Defence Minister David McGuinty says there are casualties in what the prime minister called a "serious incident".
Deadly fire erupts at Canada military base
Defence Minister David McGuinty says there are casualties but did not provide details
A major fire near a Canadian military base in Alberta has killed and injured some people, the defence minister said, without confirming how many casualties there were.
The Canadian Armed Forces were working with local authorities to deal with the fire and were investigating its cause, David McGuinty said, describing the situation as "very, very active and delicate".
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney said on X that a "serious incident creating a major fire" had taken place, adding that his "thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected".
Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, where the fire started, is one of the country's busiest military training bases.
The blaze "spread rapidly due to high winds" and had broken through the base's fences, the Municipal District of Wainwright said.
McGuinty told reporters he "cannot recall an incident like this in recent memory".
It is not clear when the fire began, but the district first posted about the incident at about 17:30 local time.
Local authorities have told residents to stay away from the area and to give all emergency vehicles the right of way.