Four Dead, Dozens Injured in CFB Wainwright Fire, Carney Says
Four Dead in Alberta Military Base Blaze
Four people are confirmed dead and dozens more seriously injured following a violent, fast-moving fire that swept through Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Sunday. The disaster, which Carney described as one of the worst tragedies for the forces on Canadian soil in peacetime, began late Saturday afternoon before high winds pushed the flames beyond the boundaries of the military training area. Carney also stated, The nation is in mourning for those brave members of our armed forces whom we
lost.
Medical Strain and Hospital Overload Across Edmonton
Dozens of people sustained serious injuries in the blaze and subsequent explosion, overwhelming regional healthcare facilities. A doctor at an Edmonton hospital located 180 kilometres (112 miles) northwest of the base told CBC News that patients were arriving in numbers that turned local emergency departments into a disaster zone.
Dr. Warren Thirsk, an emergency department physician at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, stated that the influx of injured personnel represented a one in every 15 to 25-year disaster for the medical system. He added that Wainwright’s healthcare facilities became completely overwhelmed
by the number of people needing care, noting that This number of patients would overwhelm the city of Edmonton
and that 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.
Authorities urged Edmonton residents to avoid the University of Alberta hospital emergency department to keep resources open for military victims transported from the training ground.
CFB Wainwright is where the women and men of our Armed Forces train to defend Canada. To serve Canada.Now Canada serves them. pic.twitter.com/ObtY9T0Y7M
Military Crews Assist with Triage as Fire Breaches CFB Wainwright
CFB Wainwright serves as a hub for combat preparation and realistic battlefield exercises, housing both the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre. As emergency crews battled the wind-driven flames over the weekend, flares were spotted in the sky and military medical paratroopers deployed to a local school football field to assist with triage and evacuation efforts. The RCMP, speaking on behalf of the military, confirmed that the fire breached the perimeter of the facility.
Official Reactions and Ongoing Investigations
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the incident heartbreaking in a public statement on Sunday, extending condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing the injured a full recovery, while noting that it had affected many military personnel and stating, On behalf of the government of Alberta, I extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and wish those who have been injured a full recovery.
Representatives of the NATO military committee also offered condolences, honoring the security service of those who died as investigations into the exact cause of the explosion and rapid fire spread continue. The NATO military committee stated, On behalf of the Nato military committee, we extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of
the victims, adding, Those who fell there served our common security, and the military committee will honour their memory.
More on Canadian Forces Base Wainwright
My thoughts are with the @CanadianForces community, the victims, and all those impacted by yesterday’s horrible tragedy at CFB Wainwright. We mourn with you.
The Canadian flag will fly at half-mast on federal buildings across Canada. All Canadians stand with the service members at CFB Wainwright, their families, and their community.
I am deeply shaken by the tragic events that took place at the Wainwright military base in Alberta.My heart goes out to military community, the families, the service personnel, and everyone affected by this terrible event. We are with you.