Australia Fires
For the past couple of months, fires have taken over the country of Australia, having killed 27 people, including volunteer firefighters, and millions of animals, including endangered species. The fires started in August, and have only continued to grow. Not only was 2019 the hottest year in Australia’s record, but it also is having one of its largest-ever droughts. All of this, combined with lightning strikes and people purposefully starting bushfires, have made these fires so big. Due partially to strong winds, the fires have consumed even more than the 2019 Amazon fires.
Australia is doing everything it can to save both its people and its country. The country-continent itself is coming together to try to put a stop to these fires. Both Victoria and NSW have declared a state of emergency to help combat these fires using government resources. More than 2,000 volunteer firefighters are in NSW, and multiple countries are sending more. A video went viral recently of Australians applauding a group of volunteer firefighters from the United States in the airport as they arrive to help fight the fires. Canada and New Zealand have also sent more firefighters. According to CNN, the government has sent in army, aircraft, and navy cruisers for “firefighting, evacuation, search and rescue, and clean-up efforts.”
Along with people directly fighting the fires, there are also organizations and groups dedicated to specifically saving the wildlife that has been affected. WIRES, Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital are all taking donations. Port Macquarie Koala Hospital has a GoFundMe with a goal of raising $25,000, and with people still donating, they have raised over six and a half million dollars. Around the world, people are not only donating to these organizations to help save the wildlife, but also to organizations to help fight the fires and people who have lost their homes.
Celebrities on social media has been a big part of raising awareness about the fires and how to help. Leonardo DiCaprio was one of the first mainstream celebrities to say something about the fires, posting on Instagram on November 13th in 2019. His organization, Earth Alliance, which was formed to help combat climate change, is working with Australian organizations such as Aussie Ark, which he mentions in his Instagram post, to fight the fires.
Some celebrities, like Dacre Montgomery, have organized GoFundMes and posted about them on Twitter to try to get people to donate. Others are donating their money to the cause. Chris Hemsworth, who is Australian, donated $1 million. Kylie Jenner also donated $1 million, and Nicole Kidman donated $500,000. Each celebrity has made their donations alongside a social media help to encourage others to donate and do everything they can to help people and wildlife in Australia.
As more and more people are becoming aware of Australia’s wildfires, more people from around the world are trying to donate and help in any way they can, including going to Australia to help fight the fires themselves. If you would like to donate, here are some places to do so:
Australian Zoo by the Irwin Family
