Smoke rises above trees as a wildfire burns in Fort McMurray, Alberta, on Wednesday, May 4. Alberta declared a state of emergency as crews frantically held back wind-whipped wildfires that have already torched homes and other buildings in Canada's main oil sands city.
Photos Show Devastation and Fear as Wildfires Rage in Canada
Blazes in the oil sands region have led to evacuations and government action.
Wildfires in Canada’s oil sands region have forced tens of thousands of people from their homes. The city of Fort McMurray, Alberta, was evacuated this week as the flames engulfed homes, businesses, and acre after acre of forest.
(Go inside wildfires with a National Geographic photographer.)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged support for the victims of the fire, promising to match Red Cross donations with federal funds. Meanwhile, the evacuees continue to move south, pushed by the natural disaster.
(See what animals do in a wildfire.)
These photos show the devastation as the blaze continues to spread.
