In late September 2019, massive wildfires erupted in Australia and are still spreading to this day. They currently cover a large part of the continent and show no sign of slowing down.
These fires are mostly from natural events, such as intense heat, droughts, and even lighting strikes. Though, humans are not without blame. According to police, “Since Friday 8 November 2019, legal action – which ranges from cautions through to criminal charges – has been taken against 183 people – including 40 juveniles – for 205 bushfire-related offences.” Among them, “24 people have been charged over alleged deliberately-lit bushfires, 53 people have had legal actions for allegedly failing to comply with a total fire ban, and 47 people have had legal actions for allegedly discarding a lighted cigarette or match on land.”
The fires have threatened every state in Australia, especially New South Wales and Victoria. An article by BBC states that “In the worst-hit state, New South Wales (NSW), fire has affected more than five million hectares, destroying more than 2,000 houses and forcing thousands to seek shelter elsewhere.” In Victoria, “Fires have burned 1.2 million hectares, extended a ‘state of disaster’ for the worst-hit areas from 2 to 11 January, allowing authorities to enforce evacuations and let emergency services take over properties.” The fires have ripped through bushes, trees, and nationals parks like the Blue Mountains.
Similar fires have burned the planet before, but they haven’t been nearly as catastrophic. To compare, let’s look at the fires that happened in the Amazon forest. NBC states that the Amazon fires took up 27,265 square miles (17.4 million acres). For comparison, Australia’s fires have taken up 32,432 square miles (25.5 million acres). They also state that “As of Jan. 7, approximately 32,400 square miles, an area of land a little smaller than Indiana, have burned since the blazes began. That’s 5,000 square miles (an area about the size of Connecticut), more than the area of land that burned during 2019’s devastating Amazon rainforest fires and 80 times larger than the total area burned in the 2019 California wildfires.”
The people of Australia have lost their homes and loved ones. As authorities attempt to control the flames, it feels like all we can do is watch in horror and hope for the best. Fortunately, there is something you can do to help. The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is putting together a fund for a recovery plan in the wake of this disaster. If you’d like to help Australia get back on its feet, feel free to donate here.
