In Pictures

Canada wildfire leaves trail of destruction

Homes have been burned to the ground and wreckage of blackened and melted cars remains on the roads.

Aftermath of wildfires of Canada — A break in the weather has officials optimistic they have reached a turning point on getting a handle on the massive wildfire. [Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press/AP]

Canadian officials who got their first glimpse of Fort McMurray since a wildfire erupted there said they were encouraged by how much of it had escaped destruction, estimating that almost 90 percent of its buildings were saved.

But a tour of the fire-ravaged town on Monday also revealed scenes of utter devastation, with blocks of homes reduced to blackened foundations, front steps and metal barbecues.

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said 2,400 structures had burned within the city while almost 25,000 were saved.

A woman takes photos of the burned remains of a house in the Abasand neighbourhood of Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, May 9, 2016 after wildf — A woman takes photographs of the burned remains of a house in the Abasand neighbourhood of Fort McMurray. [Chris Wattie/Reuters]

Bicycles lean against a fence in front of burned townhouses in Fort McMurray, Alberta, following a massive wildfire, Monday, — Burned bicycles lean against a fence in front of townhouses in Fort McMurray. [Rachel La Corte/AP Photo]

aftermath canadian wildfire — More than 1,200 firefighters, 110 helicopters, 295 pieces of heavy equipment, and 27 air tankers are fighting fires across the province. [EPA/Chris Schwarz/Alberta Government]

A burned barbecue sits in the Abasands neighbourhood during a media tour of the fire-damaged city of Fort McMurray, Albe — A burned barbecue in the Abasands neighbourhood of Fort McMurray. [Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press via AP]