India, Oct. 18 -- The Canadian government on Saturday confirmed deaths in a "serious incident" that sparked a large fire at one of the country's busiest military bases in Alberta. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Ottawa is "working closely with the Government of Alberta and local authorities."

The base is close to Wainwright, a town roughly 180 kilometers (112 miles) southeast of Edmonton.

"I'm saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident" at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, Defense Minister David McGuinty told reporters.

He, however, did not specify how many people were killed or injured, or what caused the "tragic" situation at the base. A major fire was still burning on Saturday eveni...