Deadly fires have spread across Australia and have been burning for months, devastating towns and wildlife. This is the worst bushfire season Australia has seen in decades. It’s destroying homes and killing people. These fires are a result of climate change as higher temperatures and drought have aided these fires across the country. 

   Over 12 million acres of land have been burnt, which is almost twice the size of Belgium. With such a large area being devastated, there are nearly half a billion U.S. dollars in damage because of the fires. 

    These fires have killed at least 23 people, but there could be more since people have gone missing since these fires started. It’s estimated that half a billion wild animals have died in the inescapable flames. With people leaving their homes in fear of being the next victims, towns have been evacuated. These fires have caused panic across the world as the smoke is continuing to spread all the way to New Zealand. Because of this smoke, the glaciers in New Zealand have even started to melt.    

   Firefighters have been struggling against fires for almost five months now, but 200 bushfires are still burning. With these active bushfires, thousands have been left homeless and without electricity and drinking water. 

   Veteran firefighters from California have been sent to aid Australia in the fight against these fires. They’re expected to be stationed there for a month. 

   Australians are using social media platforms as an outlet to bring attention and plead for help. Greta Thundberg, the climate change activist, took to Instagram demanding that ‘political action’ has to be taken against these bushfires. Many Instagram users have shared photos of the fire and of the animals that have suffered extreme burns.

   Everyone can help Australia fight this crisis by donating to the Australian Red Cross. These donations will help support those who are in evacuation or recovery across the country. People can also donate to Salvation Army Australia who is providing food for evacuees.   

   Australians are even opening up their homes to both wildlife and people. In order to aid the wildlife, people can donate to organizations like WIRES or the World Wildlife Fund Australia to fund wildlife rescue teams and conservations.