Serious incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright created a major fire, officials said.

Defense minister confirmed both fatalities and injuries, but gave no casualty numbers or incident details.

An Edmonton hospital doctor said Wainwright health facilities are overwhelmed by the number of patients needing care.

Municipal officials said the blaze spread rapidly in high winds, and firefighting crews were holding and monitoring the area.

Advance voting for Alberta independence referendum was closed in Wainwright.

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