Though residents themselves are still not allowed to return to the city, the media will be given access to the site Monday.

Exclusive first-look at burned Fort McMurray

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Digital writers

theweathernetwork.com

Tuesday, May 10, 2016, 6:56 AM - As firefighters, aided by more favourable weather conditions, make progress in the fight against the Fort McMurray fire, a sobering reality remains.



The flames burned more than 2,400 structures, with some neighbourhoods seeing 90 per cent destruction -- a sad sight for home owners. The fire chief informed media on the bus that firefighters had to make the choice to save homes elsewhere as the flames in the Beacon Hill area simply overpowered the resources as the fire moved quickly and became too hot.



Though residents themselves are still not allowed to return to the city, the media was given access to the site Monday, escorted by RCMP and emergency vehicles. Among them was The Weather Network's own Mark Robinson, who streamed the scene live on periscope using his Twitter feed.

Miraculously, it appears as though the majority of buildings have been saved.

Below is video of the bus taking Robinson and the other selected members of the media into the neighbourhoods.

Areas intact in Ft McMurray. 85% structures still intact. #ymm pic.twitter.com/296kcfHK50 — Mark Robinson (@StormhunterTWN) May 9, 2016

Robinson originally tweeted images of several structures, seemingly untouched by the fires, adding that 85 per cent of structures remained in tact.

It appears though the actual numbers of buildings spared is closer to 90 per cent, according to Alberta Premier Rachel Notley.

Below is video of the bus taking Robinson and the other selected members of the media into the neighbourhoods.