Carney says ‘serious incident’ sparked major fire at Alberta army base but offers no details

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Saturday that a "serious incident" triggered a significant fire at the CFB Wainwright military base in Alberta. The base is situated near Wainwright, about 112 miles southeast of Edmonton. In a social media post, Carney expressed his condolences for the "brave women and men affected." However, he did not disclose the cause of the fire or any information regarding injuries.

The Alberta Premier, Danielle Smith, described the fire as "significant and tragic," highlighting the impact on military personnel. Carney emphasized that the federal government is collaborating closely with local authorities, and both Carney and Smith maintain regular communication. An MP representing a constituency west of Edmonton, Dane Lloyd, reported hearing about "significant casualties" in the incident.

Canadian Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre extended his support for those affected, urging residents to adhere to emergency instructions and clear roads for first responders. The Municipal District of Wainwright has set up an emergency coordination center, and multiple organizations are actively responding to the situation.

The fire occurred days before the province is scheduled to vote on a process that could potentially lead to Alberta's separation from Canada.