(Eagle News) — These photos of the ongoing wildfire in the Canadian City of Fort McMurray show what residents see there as they try to evacuate from the city. These photos were taken by Eagle News’ Brother Napoleon Manalo Jr., who, along with his family, were among those who evacuated from the area.
The raging wildfires burned many houses and establishments, and residents hurriedly left with whatever belongings they can carry.
Brother Napoleon said they had to stop by Edmonton for fear that they would run out of gas. All gas stores were closed as panic struck the region. Driving was risky as night came.
In one of the photos, the long line of cars travelling out of the area can be seen as thick smoke enveloped the skies.
Some 100,000 residents have been ordered to leave town on May 4 as the monster wildfire swept through the oil sands region. This is Alberta province’s largest ever evacuation. Eagle News correspondents were among those evacuated in the region.
Agence France Press said no casualties have yet been reported but gas stations exploded and a hotel and one of the town’s many motor home parks went up in flames, according to local media.
The air was also thick with black smoke.
Authorities urged residents to head toward evacuation centers as the city reeled from what Notley called the province’s largest evacuation.
“All of Fort McMurray is under a mandatory evacuation order,” Alberta emergency services announced, after previously indicating that the northern edge of the fire was “growing rapidly.”
The airport was still open but the hospital had to close. (with a report from Brothers Napoleon Manalo Jr., Elmer Miranda and AFP)
