The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada calls on Canadian citizens to pray for Fort McMurray, Alberta as its 88,000 plus residents have been evacuated from their homes due to the raging wildfires currently burning out of control. This wildfire has been declared the largest in the city’s history.
Officials say the fire now exceeds 10,000 hectares (as of noon on May 4th) and that there has been a significant destruction of residences. Some neighbourhoods have lost 80% of their homes. Concern is growing that the already dry conditions, warmer than normal temperatures and strong winds will continue to fuel the fire today and tomorrow. For officials, the main focus is to ensure the safety of residents.
Other major Canadian cities like Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Toronto (GTA), and Ottawa are sending assistance - some in the form of refuge for evacuees, while others are sending teams of firefighters to help battle the blaze. Churches and individuals in the area and across Alberta are also opening their homes to help those escaping the wildfires. The Salvation Army’s “Alberta Fire Response” is accepting donations to help those who have been displaced and can be contacted at 1-800-725-2769 or at by donating via this link.
Please pray for the residents of Fort McMurray and the surrounding area, for the safety of those fighting the wildfires, and for all those managing this evacuation and working to keep everyone safe. Please also pray that weather conditions improve expediting the quick extinguishing of the wild fires.