Large fire breaks out after deadly incident at Canadian military base, officials say

Updated on: October 17, 2026 / 10:56 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Canada's defense minister said Saturday that people were killed and injured in an incident at a military base in Alberta that caused a major fire.

"I'm saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base," Defense Minister David McGuinty said.

The incident occurred at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, located about 112 miles southeast of Edmonton.

"We are dealing with a serious incident at CFB Wainwright, and are fully engaged with federal, provincial and local authorities," said Gen. Jennie Carignan, chief of the defense staff for the Canadian Armed Forces, in a social media post. "Our priority remains the welfare of our members, their families and their community, and my thoughts are with all those affected by this incident."

McGuinty did not provide casualty figures or details about what caused the incident. He said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were involved in the investigation and described the situation as "very, very active and delicate."

The Canadian Armed Forces and federal, provincial and local authorities were coordinating the emergency response, he said. The nearby community of Wainwright was providing hospital…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/