OTTAWA, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Canada's Department of National Defence said on Sunday that the incident at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright in the western province of Alberta did not appear to be terrorism-related, following a major fire that resulted in fatalities and injuries.
The defence department said the fire broke out in the base's training area at around 4 p.m. local time on Saturday (2200 GMT) and rapidly spread beyond its boundaries.
"Our immediate priority is supporting those affected and notifying next of kin. We will not confirm casualty or injury details until that process is complete," the department said, adding that the full extent of the impact remains under assessment.
CBC News reported on Sunday that seven people had died, while the number and severity of injuries had not been confirmed publicly.
In a statement posted on social media Sunday morning, Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of the NATO Military Committee, offered his deep condolences, saying that Wainwright is a place where Canadian soldiers and personnel from many allied countries train.
Located about 200 km east of Edmonton, CFB Wainwright is one of Canada's busiest Army bases. It is home to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre, according to the Canadian government's website.
The fire south of the town of Wainwright was reported to be under control. ■