Over 80,000 people were left homeless, thanks to a massive wildfire that has swept through parts of Canada. This horrific wildfire has thoroughly ravaged the once prosperous, oil-rich Canadian town of Fort McMurray in Alberta.
How did it start?
According to the reports, the wildfire started on May 1st, in a remote and widely inaccessible part of the forest at Fort McMurray. Though the causes are still being disputed, the investigators are leaning towards the abundance of dry bushes as the major cause for the wild fire. Experts have noted that, along with the strong hot winds that have been blowing for some time now, could have sparked the initial fire. These are said to be the main culprits behind forest fires, across the world.
The wildfire at Fort McMurray was first spotted by helicopters that routinely patrol the area.
However, even such early efforts, could not stop the spread of the fire. The area affected by the blaze has increased tenfold, with some estimates putting the affected area at more than 200,000 acres.
A massive evacuation process has been initiated, and many residents are being currently airlifted out of the affected areas. Many residents now look towards a bleak and uncertain future, as there is no way of knowing when the wildfire can be brought under control and extinguished.