The wildfires are raging across the country of Australia, spreading smoke and flame towards people, animals and homes. Firefighters are completely volunteer and risk their lives without pay to combat the flames. According to USA today, it’s estimated at almost over a billion animals were killed in the bushfires. How can you combat the devastating fires from all the way across the world?

The situation in Australia can spiral out of control without the proper help. Currently, members of the fire department battling the fires are mainly members of the New South Wales Fire Services. They’re a trained volunteer group of firemen who have been bravely battling the flames, but for free. Firefighters leaving home for weeks on end can’t support their family and risk their lives for no pay. The flames, so dangerous, have already claimed the lives of over 25 people and destroyed over 2,000 homes. A fire service that is not properly paid and motivated will be destined to fail. How can this tragedy be stopped? There’s many ways that the average person another continent over can support the fire services currently battling these fires. 

One way the devastating fires in Australia can be stopped would be by donating money to the fire services directly and encouraging others to donate as well. As of January 9th, over 30 million Australian Dollars have been raised by celebrities such as P!NK, Nicole Kidman, Elton John and even Chris Hemsworth. These celebrities are inspired by the valiant work of the volunteers and have chosen to donate large amounts of money to the fire services. But that’s fine, you don’t have to donate thousands of dollars, too. A dollar or two can mean the world to the fire service down in NSW who are being refused financial support by the President. In order to prevent more ecological damage and animal death, funds are needed to pay, hire and maintain more fire services. Unfortunately, over 1 billion animals have been displaced or killed in the fires and almost a third of the koala population have died. National parks and other landmarks in Australia were not able to be rescued due to the lack of resources. Donating any spare change to the fire service can change that.

The fire services down in Australia don’t require just funds, however. Foods and goods are especially needed. A spokesman for the NSW Office of Emergency Management has said that the lack of goods can spark a “second disaster”. Communities that were ravaged by fires quickly consume the donated foods and goods given to them, and a national lack of donations can deplete the storage of donatable items. If you don’t have the money to send, sending in any clothes, food or items can mean the world to an individual of a fire-ridden community. As the situation becomes more desperate, and homes and businesses are destroyed, it tends to be more helpful to donate directly to those affected with cash instead of giving goods- so be mindful of how and what you decide to donate.

Finally, work to boost the morale of those affected. Send your support to the 3,000 troops risking their lives everyday in territory far from home– send messages of encouragement and bring up their spirits. Make the volunteers not feel alone. As more and more lives are taken by the consuming flames, even firefighter lives, it’s important to let the people of Australia know they are not alone. A few dollars, canned goods, and messages of love towards the Australian people and fire services can make a huge difference.