Due to climate change and record-high temperatures, the first of many fires of this season started in September 2019. The fire started ahead of their typical fire season, which normally runs from December to February. The fires have continued to devastate Australia ever since and show no signs of stopping. 

As of January 28, over 15 million acres have burned in Australia, destroying more than 3,000 homes. At least 28 people have been confirmed. Over one billion animals, including koalas and kangaroos, have died. And the numbers keep rising. 

The Australian fires are burning in every Australian state, but most especially New South Wales. While the fires are primarily burning through brushland and wooded areas, such as national parks, Australia’s urban cities have also been affected. Homes on the outskirts of Melbourne and Sydney were damaged and the cities have been shrouded in clouds of smoke. 

Australia’s wildfire crisis peaked when wildfires and their columns of smoke could be seen from space January 6. 

“An immense ash cloud covers Australia as we fly toward the sunset,” said Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano in a tweet January 13.

Bindi Irwin, daughter of the late Steve Irwin (an animal enthusiast), has continued in her father’s footsteps. She and the rest of her family have saved over 90,000 animals from the brush fires. To stay updated with the Irwin’s struggle to save as many animals as possible follow Bindi Irwin (@bindisueirwin). 

Besides the Irwin family, others have sent aid to both people and animals affected by the fires. Celebrities such as Chris and Liam Hemsworth, Selena Gomez, Elton John, Rebel Wilson, Kylie Jenner and more have all donated to help Australia in their time of need. 

Celebrities aren’t the only ones who can donate to the Australian fires. To help Australia, donate to Australian Red Cross or Salvation Army Australia.