Wainwright fire kills several at Canada military base

A nearby hospital declared a mass-casualty emergency

According to Canadian broadcaster Global News, which cited unnamed military sources, at least seven people died and dozens more were hurt.

Global News also reported that a live-fire training exercise struck a gas line or well, sparking the blaze.

Meanwhile, the Municipal District of Wainwright said that high winds then drove the flames through the base's perimeter fencing.

Edmonton hospitals declare major incident over Wainwright fire

Edmonton's Royal Alexandra Hospital declared a "code orange" as patients began arriving from the base.

That is the protocol hospitals use for a sudden surge of casualties.

Meanwhile, emergency doctor Warren Thirsk told the CBC the numbers would otherwise overwhelm the city's healthcare system.

"It is more patients than any of us want to count right now," Thirsk said. "It's a disaster. It's a one in every 15 to 25-year disaster."

Political reaction to the Canada military base fire

Prime Minister Mark Carney called it a "serious incident creating a major fire".

Carney said his thoughts were with "all the brave women and men affected".

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described a "significant and tragic fire".

Canada's defence minister, David McGuinty, said the situation remained "very, very active and delicate".

A confirmation on the death toll or the cause of the fire has not been given yet by the minister or the Canadian authorities.

What caused the Wainwright fire?

While Canadian officials have not confirmed a cause, Global News, citing military sources, says a gas line or well was struck during a live-fire exercise.

However, that account has not been verified by the government.