UPDATE: The entire population of Fort McMurray, Alberta, have been told to leave and many homes have burned in one of the largest wildfire evacuations in nearly a decade.
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said officials were doing all they could to ensure everyone's safety and said they were looking into the possibility of an airlift for residents with medical issues.
Roughly 61,000 people have been issued a mandatory evacuation notice as a fire continues to burn out of control.
According to the Associated Press, the main road into Fort McMurray, was closed at the southern entrance to the city after flames jumped the road.
Unseasonably hot temperatures combined with dry conditions have transformed the boreal forest in much of Alberta into a tinder box. The wildfire threat ranges from very high to extreme.
Fort McMurray has a population of 61,000, according to the 2011 census.
Please check back for updates
The Associated Press contributed to this report
Below are images from social media showing the evacuation as well as the fire and thick smoke that is darkening the sky.
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