Global News has obtained aerial footage of the devastation caused by the Fort McMurray wildfire in the community’s Abasand and Beacon Hill neighbourhoods.
The beginning of the chopper video shows several homes burned to the ground in the Abasand neighbourhood. Next, the helicopter flies south over the Beacon Hill neighbourhood where more homes appear levelled.
However, some homes in both neighbourhoods were spared by the flames.
While it’s unknown how many homes in each neighbourhood were destroyed, earlier this week the province estimated a total of 1,600 structures had been lost in Fort McMurray. A majority of the downtown remained in tact, according to the province, including some major infrastructure including the hospital and city hall.
The fire remained out of control Saturday, and growing by the day. As of Saturday afternoon, the wildfire covered 156,000 hectares and was anticipated to double in size by the end of the day, likely combining with a smaller fire to the northeast and reaching the Saskatchewan border.
“We could see that this fire be up over 250,000, potentially 300,000 hectares by end of day,” Chad Morrison, senior manager of Wildfire Prevention with the Alberta government, said Saturday afternoon.
READ MORE: Fort McMurray wildfire reaches 156,000 hectares in size, expected to double Saturday
Convoys of vehicles continued to make their way south through the community Saturday, as those evacuees who were forced north of Fort McMurray earlier this week made their way to safety.
It was hoped everyone who was forced up north would be able to make their way through the fire ravaged community Saturday, Premier Rachel Notley said.
More than 500 firefighters are battling the blaze in and around Fort McMurray, along with 15 helicopters, 14 air tankers and 88 other pieces of equipment, the province said Saturday.
About 30 more firefighters were set to arrive Saturday night from communities across Alberta.
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