Canada is reeling from a deadly fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta, where Defence Minister David McGuinty said Saturday that both fatalities and injuries followed an incident on the base. He said a fire was reported on the training range at about 4 p.m. on October 17, and strong winds then drove it across the base fence into the surrounding Municipal District of Wainwright. Prime Minister Mark Carney called it a “serious incident” causing a major fire, while Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described a “significant and tragic fire” affecting many military personnel. Alberta MP Dane Lloyd said he was hearing of significant casualties after an explosion and fire, though officials have not confirmed an explosion or released any casualty numbers. Multiple ambulances were seen at the Wainwright hospital, and the town has been helping with both the medical and firefighting response.

McGuinty described the situation as “very, very active and delicate,” said the RCMP is involved in the investigation, and told reporters he could not recall a similar incident in recent memory. The cause is still under investigation, and no one in authority has said how many people were hurt or killed. Residents have been asked to avoid the area, keep roads clear, and stay away from the Wainwright health centre unless they need critical care. Wainwright is one of the busiest Army bases in the country and the principal site for live-fire training, which is why so many Canadians are asking how a blaze this deadly could start and spread so fast. Until officials release names, numbers, and a cause, the rumours flying around online should be treated with caution.