Wildfire closes in on Canadian oil sands city [Video]

A wildfire in Canada’s major oil-producing region doubled in size as it drew closer to the city of Fort McMurray on Wednesday, but officials were hopeful shifting winds could soon push it away.

The blaze scorched almost 21,000 hectares (52,000 acres) of forests overnight as it came within 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) of the city that was partly evacuated the day before.

Alberta Wildfire spokeswoman Christie Tucker told a briefing that cooler temperatures and calmer winds were expected to weaken and “push the fire away from Fort McMurray.”

However, Alberta Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis urged residents to “remain vigilant,” noting that “wildfire conditions can change and deteriorate rapidly.”

For many, the fire has brought back terrifying memories of 2016 when a massive blaze gutted Fort McMurray, forcing its entire population of more than 90,000 to flee at a moment’s notice.

“I’m sure these memories will create fear and uncertainty …