Hundreds gathered to pray for Fort McMurray on Sunday, as the wildfire that has forced thousands to evacuate their homes continues to rage on.
A service was held at the Beulah Alliance Church in Edmonton, in partnership with Fort City Church. Fire fighters and emergency service workers were given a standing ovation, and evacuees shared stories.
Doug Doyle, a pastor at Fort City Church, said it was encouraging to see people find strength and hope in God in the midst of tragedy.
"We have a future, we're looking forward to rebuilding Fort McMurray," he said, according to the Edmonton Sun. "And Fort City Church is looking forward to being part of creating something beautiful out of the ashes there."
Around 80,000 people have been evacuated from Fort McMurray, in the Canadian province of Alberta, since the fire started on May 1.
Entire neighbourhoods have been destroyed, and Alberta's government estimated no Sunday that the fire had consumed almost 400,000 acres.
Though cooler temperatures yesterday aided fire fighters' attempts to tackle the blaze, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said "In no way is this fire under control".
It is now threatening to spread into neighbouring Saskatchewan province.
In Fort McMurray, around 1,600 homes and buildings have been destroyed. Two teenagers were killed in a car crash last Wednesday during evacuation.
Fort City Church is holding a special service for first responders today.
