FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta (AP) — The fire chief for Canada's evacuated oil sands town is asking for patience and vowing to get residents home as soon as possible after a devastating fire.

Fort McMurray Fire Chief Darby Allen says Wednesday the wildfire is mostly out in the city but not yet in areas south of it.

He says the city's 88,000 residents can't come back until it's safe and workers have checked power and water supplies. The fire burned about 2,400 homes and buildings but 90 percent of the city was saved.

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley says officials hope to get residents back within two weeks — but those with intact homes have pressed to return much sooner. Notley says police will turn people away if they try to enter before the city is reopened.