New York — Four people died and dozens were injured in "a violent fast-moving fire" at the Wainwright military base in Canada, in what Prime Minister Mark Carney called "one of the worst tragedies" for the country's military on Canadian soil in peacetime.

The incident happened on Saturday at the base, some 207 kilometres south-east of Edmonton, Alberta's provincial capital. 

Rescue personnel "fought the fire throughout the night in some of the worst conditions imaginable," Carney said on Sunday.

"The nation is in mourning," the prime minister said, adding that the country's flags will fly at half-mast.

The Canadian leader provided no details as to what caused the fire but said he had asked for a formal briefing from provincial and federal officials.

Defence Minister David McGuinty said it was "one of the hardest days" the Canadian Armed Forces had faced at home in peacetime.

"As the prime minister said earlier today, those we lost were training to serve Canada. Now Canada serves them."

The families of those killed and injured had been notified, he said.

"They are sons and daughters and parents and partners and friends."

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said 39 people were being treated in hospital, with at least 19 in critical condition.

"The loss of life and injuries are heartbreaking," she said.

Smith said there was a "massive" emergency response, with 30 emergency units including 22 ground ambulances and eight aircraft deployed to the area.

"Under immense pressure and in the face of deep heartbreak they delivered rapid life-saving care," Smith said.

"When crisis hit, Alberta's front-line heroes did not hesitate for a single second."

Major General Wade Rutland said troops were conducting "high-intensity combat training with live munitions" when the incident occurred.

A grass fire ignited during the exercise and spread due to "uncommonly strong winds," he said. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

He acknowledged that people near the area had reported hearing explosions at the time of the fire.

"Certainly we do not believe this to be as a result of any oil and gas infrastructure, nor any outside interference," Rutland said.

"Our top priority at this time is the care of soldiers and families."

Wainwright Mayor Bruce Pugh told a separate press conference there was an "old saying of not all heroes wear capes."

"I think the last 24 hours have proven that point," he said. "Some wear a rucksack and a uniform, some a respirator and bunker gear, and some wear scrubs."

The mayor thanked those who responded to the incident, especially volunteers.

"When a call comes in, they recognize the address or they recognize the name ... we recognize the emotional weight that they're feeling and we want to acknowledge them."

Carney thanked those across the country who have given blood in light of the tragedy. The Canadian Blood Services also thanked those who had already donated and encouraged others to do so to "help to keep our national inventory strong."

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