Newspaper article

Huge forest fire in Canada

A huge wildfire in the Canadian province of Alberta is growing further and could spill into neighbouring province of Saskatchewan.

The flames have already caused the evacuation of over 80,000 people from the oil city of Fort McMurray.

Many more are still stuck north of the city and their evacuation is still to take place.

Hot, dry and windy conditions are holding back efforts by hundreds of firefighters to tackle the blaze.

“In no way is this fire under control,” said Alberta Premier Rachel Notley.

The wildfire now covers an area of over 200,000 hectares, which includes areas still on fire and areas already burnt. That is basically double the size of Auckland City.

About 1,600 homes and other buildings have been lost, but no deaths or injuries have been reported.