At least seven people have been killed and dozens more injured in a large fire that erupted near Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, according to reports citing unnamed military sources. The blaze broke out on Saturday during a live-fire training exercise, with initial reports suggesting a gas line or gas well may have been struck.

Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed that several people had died or been injured but did not provide exact numbers, describing the situation as "very, very active and delicate." The Canadian military and local authorities are actively managing the incident. Canadian Forces Base Wainwright is a key training facility for the nation's military, known for conducting live-fire exercises.

Global News reported that the casualties occurred when a gas line or well was hit during the training, leading to the significant fire. Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged a "serious incident creating a major fire" and expressed his thoughts for those affected. Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton activated its "code orange" disaster response protocol, indicating a high-casualty event that would strain local healthcare resources.

The fire spread rapidly due to high winds after igniting on Saturday, breaching the base's fences, according to the Municipal District of Wainwright. Defence Minister McGuinty stated he could not recall a similar incident in recent memory. The fire was first reported around 17:30 local time (23:30 GMT).

Local authorities have urged residents to avoid the area and grant right-of-way to emergency vehicles. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described the fire as "significant and tragic," impacting military personnel. Neighbouring provinces have offered support, with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe deploying resources and British Columbia Premier David Eby offering "all possible assistance."

Canadian Forces Base Wainwright typically hosts about 690 military personnel and 300 civilian workers. It is the primary location for the Canadian military's live-fire training exercises. The rapid spread of the fire, exacerbated by wind conditions, highlights the potential dangers associated with such training operations.

Emergency department doctor Warren Thirsk at Royal Alexandra Hospital described the influx of patients as a "disaster," noting it was a scale of incident not seen in 15 to 25 years. The activation of the code orange protocol underscores the severity of the situation and the immediate need for extensive medical response.

Questions remain regarding the exact cause of the incident, the precise number of casualties, and the full extent of the damage to the base and surrounding areas. Investigations into the event are expected to follow as the immediate emergency response continues.