OTTAWA, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- A serious incident occurred on Saturday evening at a military base in the province of Alberta, western Canada, triggering a major fire that is spreading rapidly toward the municipality amid high winds, local media reported.
The incident took place at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright, located about 200 km southeast of Edmonton, the provincial capital.
The base has not yet issued a statement on the specific cause of the incident or any casualties. Canada's Department of National Defence confirmed it was closely monitoring the situation but provided no further details.
Emergency Health Services personnel have been deployed to the scene to provide medical care and assist with evacuations related to the fire, according to Acute Care Alberta.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on social media that he and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith were in close contact as emergency responses continued.
"A serious incident creating a major fire has occurred at CFB Wainwright, in Alberta," Carney wrote. "Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected."
Smith described the fire as "significant and tragic," adding that many military personnel were affected.
The incident occurred as Alberta was holding advance voting in a referendum on whether the province should remain part of Canada or proceed with a second, binding referendum on separation. Elections Alberta said an advance polling location near the base had been closed because of the fire. ■
