Officials have confirmed deaths and injuries after a major fire at a military base in Wainwright, Alberta, on Oct. 17.

“I’m saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base,” Defence Minister David McGuinty told reporters about the incident at CFB Wainwright on Oct. 17.

CFB Wainwright is a major military base located 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton. The base is mainly used to train soldiers and prepare for combat operations.

McGuinty said the incident is under investigation and he cannot provide details on the number of casualties at this point.

“We will have more to say in the coming hours and days. At this time, our thoughts are with the families and with everyone impacted by this tragic event,” he said.

McGuinty said the fire is being “monitored very closely” and that fire crews from the town of Wainwright are providing support. He added that the injured are also receiving medical care at the town.

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) issued its own statement on Oct. 18, saying a fire was ignited within the training area of the military base around 4 p.m. on Oct. 17.

The CAF also said that there is currently no indication that the incident is “the result of any terrorist activity,” adding that it remains under investigation.

The CAF added that, as it is focused on notifying the next of kin of those affected and providing support, it won’t confirm further details about the casualties at this point.

Acute Care Alberta said late on Oct. 17 that the incident required substantial medical resources and activated a “Code Orange” at several hospitals across the province. The code is used when health-care resources must be coordinated to manage a response “to an incident that results in multiple severe patients needing care at the same time,” the agency said.

The agency also urged residents in the Edmonton area to avoid the emergency department at University of Alberta Hospital and recommended that people with non-urgent medical concerns seek care elsewhere.

The RCMP said that they were called to the military base around 4 p.m. on Oct. 17.

“Early reports were there was a fire at a training area,” the police force said in a statement on the evening of Oct. 17. “Our initial involvement is winding down, though we still have resources available if needed. Any further details regarding the incident will come from the Canadian Armed Forces.”

Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan said the Canadian Armed Forces is “fully engaged with federal, provincial and local authorities.”

Large areas of the province have been hit by a windstorm with gusts up to 100 kilometres an hour, adding to the challenge for fire crews.

“There is no evacuation order at this time,” the town said on the evening of Oct. 17.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said federal officials are working with their provincial counterparts to respond to the incident.

He said on Oct. 18 that Canadian flags will fly at half mast at federal buildings across the country to mark the tragedy.

“Thank you to the first responders and all those providing care and support to those affected,” she said.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said his province has deployed resources to help with the response to the incident in the neighbouring Alberta.

Chair of the NATO Military Committee Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone extended the organization’s condolences to all those affected by the tragedy.