Scorched remains: Haunting images from a city destroyed by wildfire
New photos offer a haunting look at the aftermath of the destructive Fort McMurray wildfire in Canada that has forced more than 80,000 people from their homes. It's feared the blaze, which has already burned an area larger than the city of Chicago, will double in size by the end of Saturday.
The scorched remains of a melted swing set, charred cars and ashy, exposed living rooms are all that's left in the burned out neighborhoods of the city in Alberta. The blaze may also reach the neighboring province of Saskatchewan, authorities warned.
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The wildfire, fueled by high temperatures, strong winds and dry conditions, has burned more than 385,476 acres (156,000 hectares) and could gobble up 741,300 acres (200,000 to 300,000 hectares) by the end of Saturday, Chad Morrison of Alberta Wildfire said. It has so far destroyed 1,600 buildings, but no deaths or injuries were reported Saturday.
"In no way is this fire under control," Alberta Premier Rachel Notley told the Associated Press. Cooler temperatures and possible rain are expected Sunday, however it would take significant rainfall to tamp down the powerful fire. Authorities expect to be battling the blaze for months.
Canada's oil output has been greatly hampered by the mass evacuations -- roughly 18,000 people from the oil sands mines of Fort McMurray have been airlifted or transported out by police-escorted convoys. Multiple oil sands mining companies have shut down operations.
Additional reporting by the Associated Press.
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Brittany Levine Beckman was Mashable's managing editor. She enjoys crafting feature ideas, learning new things, and party parrots. Before working at Mashable, she covered community news at the Los Angeles Times and the Orange County Register. That's how she met a zonkey and the tallest man in the world.
