Wildfires Out of Control

Sadly, again this year, wildfires are ravaging vast areas across this country. Currently, 200 fires are burning in Canada. They are spreading throughout the country in different areas at various times, affecting wide swaths of forested land. Zombie or overwintering fires may still be burning underground and re-ignite once the weather becomes warm.

While many fires are started by lightning strikes or by human hands, climate change is truly the big culprit. The wildfire season starts earlier and earlier each year, and we not only lose massive amounts of trees, but people are losing their homes, their livelihoods, their health, and their peace of mind. Air quality can become so bad, making it dangerous at times to go outside and breathe the smoke-filled, polluted air.

There has been tragic loss of life due to wildfires. Residents, firefighters, and wildlife. Wildlife is further endangered as they lose their habitat, water and food sources.

Loss of forests also contributes to the destruction of entire ecosystems. A vicious circle is made more evident: fires are often caused by climate change, and fires contribute to climate change.

Below are two prayers from the British Columbia Synod – ELCIC website (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada) below that could give us comfort.

O God, our refuge and strength, our help in times of trouble.
We lift our prayers to you now that your creation is suffering.
Have mercy on the lands ravaged by fires.
Calm the winds that fan the flames and send rain to the parched lands.
Comfort all who have had to leave their homes; give them solace as they wait for news.
Give peace to those under evacuation alerts.
Bless all those who help and support the evacuees.
Protect all those who are fighting the fires and keep them safe in difficult circumstances.
Protect all whose health is at risk because of the smoke.
Heal the people, heal the nature, and heal the land.
God, in your unending mercy, we ask you to hear our prayers.
Amen.

A prayer from All Creation Sings:

Holy God, in you alone we find safety and shelter.
Be a sure refuge to all suffering from wildfires.
Grant courage, protection, and favorable weather to firefighters and emergency responders; embrace with supportive communities all who are newly displaced or homeless; comfort those grieving all that has been destroyed and give patience to those who are anxious, not knowing when relief will come.
Heal your whole creation, that out of flame and ashes new growth will spring forth.
We pray through Jesus Christ, our life, and our strength.
Amen.