Canada's defence minister, David McGuinty, said late on Saturday that people had been killed and injured after an incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta that set off a major fire.

"I'm saddened to share that there have been both fatalities and injuries as a result of an incident on the base," McGuinty said at a news conference. He said he could not recall a similar incident in recent memory and described the situation as "very active and delicate". He did not give casualty figures or a cause.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said a "serious incident creating a major fire" had occurred at the base, adding: "Our thoughts are with all the brave women and men affected." Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called it a "significant and tragic fire" affecting many military personnel.

The Municipal District of Wainwright said the fire had crossed the base fence earlier on Saturday and was spreading quickly because of high winds. Gusts of up to 100 km/h were reported in parts of the province. Firefighters from several jurisdictions were sent, and no evacuation order was in effect.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said they responded to a call from the base at about 4pm local time and had since wound down their involvement. "Early reports were that there was a fire at a training area," the force said in a statement.

Canadian Forces Base Wainwright lies about 180 km (112 miles) southeast of Edmonton. It is one of Canada's busiest military training bases and is home to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre and the 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre.