Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" - for the People of Canada, and Especially Alberta

This morning I learned about the horrible explosion on the military base in Alberta and the fire which followed - I want to say my heart breaks for those injured, those who are working to minister to the families of those who are lost and injured, and all Canadians as you deal with such a horrific tragedy. The most current information I've been able to find from CBC is . . .

Here's what we know so far. 

• National Defence Minister David McGuinty confirmed people were killed and injured in the fire, but did not provide numbers. The Canadian Armed Forces says it is waiting until next of kin have been notified before releasing further details. McGuinty called the fire "very active and delicate" and said it was the worst mass casualty event he knew of in "recent memory."
• The Canadian Armed Forces says the fire started around 4 p.m. local time Saturday and spread beyond the training area. Strong winds contributed to the fire's rapid spread.
• Health staff said a "code orange" was declared to co-ordinate care for a high number of patients transported from Wainwright. Dr. Warren Thirsk, an emergency department physician at Edmonton’s Royal Alexandra Hospital, described the incident as a "one in every 15 to 25-year disaster."
• The cause of the fire remains unclear. The RCMP confirmed it sent resources to assist at the base. The Canadian Armed Forces has said further details will be released as they become available.
• Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called it a "significant and tragic fire," while Prime Minister Mark Carney described it as a "serious incident." Saskatchewan has deployed resources to assist Alberta, and British Columbia has also offered support.
• Bruce Pugh, the mayor of the neighbouring community of Wainwright, said the fire had crossed the base fence, but was being managed and held by firefighting teams. He said the local hospital was acting as a triage centre and the fire would have a profound impact on his community, noting, "we share our lives" with the members of the Armed Forces base.
• CFB Wainwright is a major military training facility. It is the Canadian Armed Forces' principal base for live-fire training exercises, bringing together infantry, artillery and air support for combined training.
• Gen. Jennie Carignan, chief of the defence staff released a statement early Sunday morning: "This is a profoundly difficult moment for the entire Canadian Armed Forces. Our immediate focus remains on supporting those affected, assisting emergency response efforts, and ensuring the well-being of our members, their families, and the surrounding community.… I extend my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives."

The Latest

• Multiple people have been hurt or killed after a significant fire burned at a large training area on a Canadian Forces Base in east-central Alberta on Saturday.
• Canada's minister of national defence did not confirm how many people died, but an emergency care physician in Edmonton described the incident at CFB Wainwright as "a one in every 15 to 25-year disaster.”
• Officials called a "code orange" response protocol in Edmonton to help care for a high number of patients coming from the base, while the general public was asked to avoid the University of Alberta Hospital emergency department.
• Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the incident affected "many of our brave military personnel." Prime Minister Mark Carney also described the fire as "serious."

I am glad the fire is being "held", but am so very sorry for all the families, friends, and the community - as well as the country of Canada - as everyone deals with this tragic loss.

You will find more information about it at this link.