The entire population of Fort Mcmurray, Alberta – about 80,000 people – was ordered to evacuate the city on May 3 as raging wildfires engulfed parts of the city and surrounding areas.
The oilsands projects to the north have been flying nonessential personnel out of the area and making room in housing camps for thousands of people who have nowhere else to go. The worst of the fires were on the south side of Fort McMurray; that area was evacuated first.
Companies like Shell Canada and Suncor have cleared space to house the displaced residents.
"We're providing transportation and accommodation to the region to support the evacuation," said Paul Newmarch, a spokesman for Suncor, in a statement to the Canadian Press. "We're making whatever we have available to support the evacuation."
As of May 4 approximately 20,000 people were being housed in oilsands camps to the north of Fort McMurray.
Residents have been posting videos of their escape from the city on social media. Take a look at some of the photos and videos below.
Absolutely insane images from Ft McMurray!Taken a few minutes ago on on of the last routes open to get out! #ymmfire pic.twitter.com/SIhOjTUJWS
— JustDave (@DaveHead40) May 4, 2016
Councillor Mark Missal released the following photo of the #ymmfire pic.twitter.com/JarmAzyZEY
— Town of Slave Lake (@TownSlaveLake) May 4, 2016
My harrowing drive evacuating #ymm praying for my friends pic.twitter.com/XGFWfavqR2
— Jordan J Stuffco (@jstuffcocrimlaw) May 3, 2016
Dramatic and fiery time-lapse video from @NovaCanuck of @FortMacToday escaping #ymmfire.https://t.co/iJmNHsU5kIhttps://t.co/PplFp3aQbm
— Edmonton Journal (@edmontonjournal) May 4, 2016
#crazy #ymmfire #fortmcmurray #woodbuffalo pic.twitter.com/NatmkENkmi
— Dave (@DavePepler) May 3, 2016
#ymmfire Another collection of unbelievable images. Red Cross Alberta https://t.co/GekV1VAk2Z #ymm pic.twitter.com/XCsKRLa507
— Michel Gosselin (@MGBlastroid) May 4, 2016
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