EXPLOSION AND MAJOR FIRE AT CANADIAN MILITARY BASE

OTTAWA, OCTOBER 18 /SRNA/ - An explosion and a major fire occurred at a Canadian military base in Alberta, Defense Minister David McGuinty said, confirming that there were fatalities and injuries.

Local authorities later said that the fire was under control after strong winds had spread the flames beyond the building.

"I regret to report that there have been fatalities and injuries as a result of the incident at the base," McGuinty told reporters.

He did not specify the number of casualties at CFB Wainwright, near Edmonton.

McGuinty did not disclose the circumstances of the incident or say whether the explosion involved weapons or ammunition. He described the situation as "active and delicate," Canadian media reported.

The Canadian Armed Forces said the fire was first reported at around 4:00 p.m. local time at a training range on the base before spreading beyond the training area.

Canadian police are investigating, while the armed forces and federal, provincial and municipal authorities are coordinating their response to the incident.