DHAKA:  A state of emergency has been declared at Alberta in Canada after a wildfire enforced all 88,000 residents of Fort McMurray to flee.

Local Officials warn that the blaze could destroy much of the city and the next 24 hours will be crucial BBC reports on Thursday (May 5).

The fast-moving fire, which broke out on Sunday, has already destroyed 1,600 structures in the Fort McMurray.

The evacuation was the largest in Alberta's history. Nearby oil companies have been forced to cut output.

Several firms operating in Alberta's oil sands region have shut down some pipelines.

This was done to help evacuate non-essential personnel, reports say.
So far there have been no reports of injuries in the wildfire.

BDST: 1112 HRS, May 5, 2016
SAS/AKA