Massive Fire In Canada Expected To Double In Size, Forcing Thousands To Flee

LAC LA BICHE, Alberta (CBSNewYork)--Fears are mounting in Canada as an out-of-control wildfire burns in Alberta.

Officials said the fire is not only threatening a major oil sands mine, it's also expected to double in size soon. More than 385,000 acres have already burned up in the hot, dry conditions.

The historic inferno has forced tens of thousands to flee, CBS2's Brian Conybeare reported. The fire began last Sunday in the western province of Alberta and spread rapidly, fueled by high winds, high heat and low humidity.

Thousands more residents are expected to be evacuated from the hard-hit city of Fort McMurray on Saturday, where convoys are navigating through dense traffic and thick smoke. There's a 40 percent chance for rain on Sunday, which may be the crews' best hope for bringing the fire under control.

"It is extreme fire conditions, the fire continues to challenge firefighters," Chad Morrison with Alberta Wildfire said. "I do expect that there's a high potential that this fire could double in size by the end of the day tomorrow."

Each afternoon, winds pick up and result in huge plumes of black smoke and fires in almost every direction. The fire has already torched 1,600 structures and forced 90,000 people to pack up with little warning.

One homeowner, who monitors his security photos on his iPhone, watched flames devour everything in his living room in less than two minutes.

The video was taken just minutes after thousands were ordered out. Those who fled to the north are now moving again as winds push the fire in their direction. The evacuees passed through the town most of them called home, much of it is simply burned to the ground.

"We've all seen those heartbreaking images taken by citizens traveling through Fort McMurray today and there is no doubt the damage is extensive and will take many months to repair," Rachel Notley said.

Leah Arnold and Brad Williams were part of the convoy.

"It feels surreal, it feels like we're in a movie right now. A nightmare we can't wake up from," Leah Arnold said.

With thousands of homes reduced to tinder, amazingly there are no reports of any injuries or deaths.