NEWS: Wildfires burn in and around Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada on May 4, 2016.

A massive wildfire near Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, has grown to five times its initial size and spread south, forcing more evacuations on Thursday after 88,000 people fled the city in the nation’s energy heartland.

The weather forecast has called for cooler temperatures and possible rain, offering hope that controlling the blaze could become easier.

Late Wednesday, flames fanned south from Fort McMurray, the main city in Canada’s oil sands region. Officials issued mandatory evacuation orders for the Anzac, Gregoire Lake Estates and Fort McMurray First Nation communities, located about 31 miles south of the battered city. (Reuters)

An aerial view from the helicopter of Alberta Premier Rachel Notley shows smoke rising from raging wildfires that caused the mandatory evacuation of Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, May 4, 2016. 

Traffic is seen at a standstill on Highway 63 heading south as residents flee wildfires burning in and around Fort McMurray, Alberta, May 4, 2016.