An Alberta member of Parliament says he’s hearing there are “significant casualties” after an explosion and fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright east of Edmonton. Dane Lloyd, who represents a riding west of Edmonton, asks in a social media post for people to pray for the soldiers and their families. The Municipal District of Wainwright says high winds are spreading a large fire fast into the area after the incident at the nearby CFB Wainwright on Saturday evening. Emergency responders were actively working to “protect people, property and critical infrastructure,” according to a social media post from the district. There was no evacuation order for residents as of 7:30 p.m. The Department of National Defence said it was closely monitoring the situation but could not confirm further details. Officials say the fire crossed the base fence earlier Saturday and is being managed south of Wainwright. An active fire, however, remained burning south of Township Road 44-0. In a media release, Acute Care Alberta confirmed that Emergency Health Services were on scene for care and the transport related to the fire. Prime Minister Mark Carney was also quick to comment on the situation, posting to social media just after 6 p.m. to inform that he and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith were in “close contact” as the response continues. “A serious incident creating a major fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta,” he wrote. “Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected.” Smith said the fire was “significant and tragic” and was affecting many military personnel. Elections Alberta said it was informed of the fire and has shut down the Wainwright Communiplex advance vote location. Voters are asked to instead go to Border Inn in Lloydminster or Vermilion Elks Hall. With files from The Canadian Press This is a developing story. More to come...
