Canada wildfire - what are the environmental impacts?

In addition to the estimated $9bn damage to Fort McMurray, 'the beast' will affect forests, carbon emissions, air and water pollution and waste

The explosive wildfire in Canada's tar sands region that forced 90,000 people to flee last week is still burning. By Tuesday, "the beast" had grown to 230,000 hectares, but had moved into largely unpopulated regions east and south of the town of Fort McMurray, Alberta.

Although officials have found 80-90% of the town undamaged, power and water is out, and about 2,400 homes and other buildings have been burned down.