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Alberta premier says 39 people hospitalized, at least 19 critical after fire at Canada military base
Military and civilian crews battled the blaze through the night as Alberta health officials activated a mass-casualty response for 22 ambulances and eight aircraft.
On Sunday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that four service members were killed and dozens injured in a fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta during military training Saturday.
Fierce winds reaching 100 kph whipped flames beyond the base into surrounding rural areas Saturday, forcing emergency crews to scramble to contain the blaze near the town of Wainwright.
Healthcare facilities around the base became "completely overwhelmed" by patients, with at least 10 ambulances positioned at the Wainwright health center as victims were transported to hospitals in Edmonton, Red Deer, and Calgary.
Defense Minister David McGuinty confirmed the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are investigating the incident, though the military ruled out terrorism as a cause; Carney ordered flags flown at half-staff in honor of victims.
The blaze disrupted advance voting for Monday's Alberta referendum, forcing Elections Alberta to relocate polling stations in Lloydminster and Vermilion. Mayoral candidate Cathy Keane revealed her son was among the critically injured personnel.