"LAC LA BICHE, Alberta -- A catastrophic wildfire that has forced all 88,000 residents to flee Fort McMurray in Alberta, Canada exploded tenfold in size on Thursday, cutting off evacuees in camps and shelters north of the city.

The out-of-control blaze has burned down entire neighborhoods of Fort McMurray in Canada's energy heartland and forced a precautionary shutdown of some oil production, driving up global oil prices.

Three days after the residents were ordered to leave Fort McMurray, firefighters were still battling to protect homes, businesses and other structures from the flames. More than 1,600 structures, including hundreds of homes, have been destroyed."

Rod Nickel reports for Reuters May 5, 2016. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"80,000 Alberta Wildfire Victims Asked To Brace For Long Wait" (National Observer) [3]

"Premier Rachel Notley Promises Financial Support Plan For Fort McMurray Fire Evacuees" (Edmonton Journal) [4]

Wildfire Status Map (Alberta) [5]

"Homes in Alberta Reduced to Rubble in Aftermath of Wildfire, Leaving Thousands Displaced" (ABC News) [6]

"Oil Up As Fire Curbs Canada Output; Higher Dollar, Stockpiles Cap Gains" (Reuters) [7]

Edmonton Journal Front Page [8]

CBC News Edmonton [9]