In pictures: Mass evacuation of Fort McMurray

4 May 2016

Trucks near the flames at Fort McMurray, Alberta — Image caption,
The Canadian city of Fort McMurray has been evacuated because of a huge wildfire.

Smoke rises from a wildfire outside of Fort McMurray, Alberta,

Mary Anne Sexsmith-Segato/Canadian Press

It began on Sunday, south of Fort McMurray, some 380km (235 miles) north of the provincial capital, Edmonton

Smoke fills the air as people drive on a road in Fort McMurray, Alberta,

Greg Halinda/The Canadian Press via AP

Some 80,000 people were told to leave as the blaze swept into Fort McMurray, gateway to the oil sands region, causing gridlock on the roads.

Smoke fills the air as a small plane flies overhead in Fort McMurray, Alberta

Kitty Cochrane/The Canadian Press via AP

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley called it the "biggest evacuation... in the history of the province".

Wendy Tremblay, resident of Conklin, Alta., prepares cots for residents of Fort McMurray

Topher Seguin / Reuters

Emergency shelters were constructed in towns such as Conklin, Alberta.

Fort McMurray resident Crystal Maltais buckles in her daughter, Mckennah Stapley, as they prepare to leave Conklin, Alberta

Topher Seguin / Reuters

Fort McMurray resident Crystal Maltais puts her daughter's seatbelt on, as they prepare to move on from Conklin.

Smoke fills the air as a helicopter flies overhead in Fort McMurray, Alberta

Kitty Cochrane / The Canadian Press / AP

About 100 firefighters are tackling the blaze, backed up by nine air tankers and more than a dozen helicopters, officials say. Reinforcements are on their way.