Wildfires

Wildfires - Canada - Alberta - Update

The vast, intense wildfire that has forced more than 100,000 people to flee the Canadian oil city of Fort McMurray was spreading overnight, threatening the local airport and engulfing more communities, authorities said.

More than 1,600 homes and buildings have already been destroyed by the "heartbreaking" blaze, which has turned skies blood-red and rained ash on residents fleeing on crowded highways. More than 18,500 acres have already been scorched.

The entire province of Alberta was under a state of emergency early Thursday as crews frantically battled wind-whipped flames that were heading towards more homes.

Local officials announced a mandatory evacuation late Wednesday of the communities of Anzac, Gregoire Lake Estates and Fort McMurray First Nation — which lie roughly 30 miles south of Fort McMurray.