Fort McMurray residents fleeing a wave of devastating wildfires are turning to social media to connect with loved ones and share images of the flames that threaten their city.
More than 80,000 people have fled the city on a mandatory evacuation order, while firefighters brace themselves for more flare-ups as temperatures rise and winds increase through the afternoon.
An estimated 1,600 homes have been destroyed to date, though no deaths have been reported. Evacuees have been transported north or south of the city, with many taking shelter at oilfield camps in the region.
Many who are fleeing the flames have posted photos of the fires on Twitter showing flames burning on both sides of the road, as lines of cars navigate highways through the blaze.
"Praying I have a home to go back to," one evacuee tweeted.
Praying I have a home to go back to. Fire isn't over officials say the worst is yet to come. #FortMcMurrayStrong pic.twitter.com/CxB1r4lCtR
— sarah peats (@SarahPeats1) May 4, 2016
#PrayForFortMcMurray #yymfire #FortMcMurrayStrong Cousin Bill is trapped sent these pics #prayingforFortMcMurray pic.twitter.com/jKVCxTrniE
— Tracey Follett (@FollettTracey) May 4, 2016
In other parts of the country, people have been offering their support under the hashtag #FortMcMurrayStrong.
Let's help those in #FortMcMurray. Text REDCROSS to 30333 to donate $5. #FortMcMurrayStrong #FortMacFire #ymmfire pic.twitter.com/m6uCKvoHCL
— Sign Of The Horns (@SignOfTheHorns) May 4, 2016
Stay Strong Fort McMurray!#FortMacFire #FortMcMurray #FortMcMurrayStrong pic.twitter.com/O9QAhJwHtm
— Jody Mitic (@JODYMITIC) May 4, 2016
#FortMcMurrayStrong #AlbertaStrong pic.twitter.com/KOj4L5t9ii
— V i c t o r i a (@yourprincessvee) May 4, 2016
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is encouraging those who want to help with the relief efforts to donate to the Red Cross.
