The entire population of the Canadian city of Fort McMurray was ordered to evacuate late on Tuesday as a massive wildfire swept through Alberta province’s oil sands region.
More than 80,000 residents were ordered to flee after an earlier evacuation order was extended to tens of thousands more people as flames continued to make their way into the city.
No casualties have been reported but damage has been extensive, with petrol stations exploding and a hotel and one of the town’s many motor home parks going up in flames, local media said.
The air over the city was thick with black smoke.
“All of Fort McMurray is under a mandatory evacuation order,” Alberta emergency services said, after previously indicating that the northern edge of the fire was “growing rapidly”.
Scott Long of Alberta Emergency Management said the flames had burned a number of structures, but couldn’t say how many.
The airport was still open but the hospital had to close.
Alberta Premier, Rachel Notley, said officials were doing all they could to ensure people’s safety and said they were looking into the possibility of an airlift for residents with medical issues.
“I know that it’s a very scary time,” Notley told a press conference.
“Our focus is completely and entirely right now on ensuring the safety of people, of getting them out of the city and ensuring that they are safe and secure.”
Authorities urged residents to head toward evacuation centres as the city reeled from what Notley called the province’s largest ever evacuation.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had called Notley to offer federal aid to the province.
“My thoughts are with people affected by the fire in Fort McMurray tonight. Stay safe and remember to follow evacuation orders,” he tweeted.