Fort McMurray evacuating from wildfire

Approximately 60,000 residents of Fort McMurray have been forced out because of a wildfire emergency according to an update provided by officials with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo at 10 p.m. MT Tuesday night.

Officials said fires were burning throughout different parts of the city and that Beacon Hill “appears to be lost”, one side of Abasand is believed to have been lost and that homes had been lost in Dickinsfield. They also said trailers in the Centennial Trailer Park are believed to have been lost.

The wildfire grew suddenly on Tuesday because of what Alberta Forestry spokesperson Bernie Schmitte described as “very explosive conditions.”

“Basically the fire behaviour was beyond all control efforts,” he said. “The worst of the fire is not over.”

This has been happening over the last few days and doesn't seem to be getting better anytime soon...it's the size of Chicago now. Seeing stories of people losing their homes is heartbreaking and hope they make it through this. On the the more positive side...Red Cross Canada has gotten $30 million in donations so far, and the government will match whatever donations received to help residents.

Know some people in the province who might get affected as well, praying for the best :(