Every guardian angel in Alberta drinks for free in this bar.

Officials expect a cold front to move through the area later Wednesday, which could be good news, in one sense, because it will likely raise the humidity. But it could also bring bad news in the form of storm clouds and lightning strikes.

"We are preparing for a very bad day," Allen said.

Then, his voice breaking with emotion, the fire boss who called Tuesday the "worst day" of his career, tried to sum up his feelings.

Tens of thousands have fled the city

"We successfully evacuated 88,000 people," he said. "No one is hurt and no one has passed away. I really hope that we can get to the end of this day and we can still say that."

I hope so too, sir. I hope so too.