The Ottawa Catholic School Board is asking its school community to keep those affected by a fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta in their thoughts and prayers.
The board said in a statement posted to its website on Oct. 19 that it is thinking of families and loved ones touched by the fire at the military base.
"Our hearts are with the families and loved ones affected by the tragic fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta," the board said in the statement.
The message does not provide details about the fire itself, including when it happened or how many people were harmed. But it indicates the incident involved loss of life, injuries and people still unaccounted for.
The board said it is offering prayers to those grieving the death of someone they love, to those who were injured, and to families waiting for news about their loved ones.
As a Catholic school community, the board said it recognizes that tragedies of this kind reach many lives, including children, families and school communities across Canada.
The statement notes the board is paying particular attention to its own students, families and staff, some of whom may have personal connections to the people affected by the fire.
"May those who are grieving find comfort, those who are injured find healing, and all those affected find strength in the care and compassion of others," the board said.
The board closed its message by inviting the wider community to join in the gesture of support.
"Please join us in keeping the entire CFB Wainwright community in our thoughts and prayers," the statement reads.
The Ottawa Catholic School Board is one of the capital's largest school boards, serving tens of thousands of students across Ottawa through its network of Catholic elementary and secondary schools.
