New photos offer a haunting look at the aftermath of the destructive Fort McMurray wildfire in Canada that has forced more than 80,000 people from their homes. It's feared the blaze, which has already burned an area larger than the city of Chicago, will double in size by the end of Saturday.
The scorched remains of a melted swing set, charred cars and ashy, exposed living rooms are all that's left in the burned out neighborhoods of the city in Alberta. The blaze may also reach the neighboring province of Saskatchewan, authorities warned.
SEE ALSO:Dashcam footage shows terror of wildfire evacuations in Fort McMurray
Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images
The wildfire, fueled by high temperatures, strong winds and dry conditions, has burned more than 385,476 acres (156,000 hectares) and could gobble up 741,300 acres (200,000 to 300,000 hectares) by the end of Saturday, Chad Morrison of Alberta Wildfire said. It has so far destroyed 1,600 buildings, but no deaths or injuries were reported Saturday.
"In no way is this fire under control," Alberta Premier Rachel Notley told the Associated Press. Cooler temperatures and possible rain are expected Sunday, however it would take significant rainfall to tamp down the powerful fire. Authorities expect to be battling the blaze for months.
Canada's oil output has been greatly hampered by the mass evacuations -- roughly 18,000 people from the oil sands mines of Fort McMurray have been airlifted or transported out by police-escorted convoys. Multiple oil sands mining companies have shut down operations.
Home foundations and skeletons of possessions are all that remain in parts of a residential neighborhood destroyed by a wildfire on May 7, 2016 in Fort McMurray, Canada.Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images
Mashable Light SpeedWant more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Thanks for signing up!FORT MCMURRAY, AB - MAY 07: Home foundations and skeletons of possesions are all that remain in parts of a residential neighborhood destroyed by a wildfire on May 7, 2016 in Fort McMurray, Canada. Wildfires, which are still burning out of control, have forced the evacuation of more than 80,000 residents from the town. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images
A burned bicycle lays on the ground in a residential neighborhood of Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada on May 7, 2016.Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images
The remains of charred vehicles sit in a residential neighborhood ravaged by a wildfire on May 7, 2016 in Fort McMurray.Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images
FORT MCMURRAY, AB - MAY 07: Home foundations and skeletons of possesions are all that remain in parts of a residential neighborhood destroyed by a wildfire on May 7, 2016 in Fort McMurray, Canada. Wildfires, which are still burning out of control, have forced the evacuation of more than 80,000 residents from the town. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images
FORT MCMURRAY, AB - MAY 07: Home foundations and skeletons of possesions are all that remain in parts of a residential neighborhood destroyed by a wildfire on May 7, 2016 in Fort McMurray, Canada. Wildfires, which are still burning out of control, have forced the evacuation of more than 80,000 residents from the town. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images
Ashy furniture sits exposed in a neighborhood destroyed by a wildfire on May 7, 2016 in Fort McMurray, Canada.Credit: Scott Olson/ Getty Images
The Fort McMurray fire melted the plastic of a swing set in a local park, as seen on May 7, 2016.Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images
FORT MCMURRAY, AB - MAY 07: Home foundations and skeletons of possesions are all that remain in parts of a residential neighborhood destroyed by a wildfire on May 7, 2016 in Fort McMurray, Canada. Wildfires, which are still burning out of control, have forced the evacuation of more than 80,000 residents from the town. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images
Additional reporting by the Associated Press.
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