Australia is facing a national crisis. Bushfires are burning across the country, although mostly in the South-east. On November 12, catastrophic fire danger was declared in Greater Sydney. It’s only gotten worse.                                                                                            

The skies all over the country are blanketed with thick smoke. The air quality in Australia is the worst in the world, and citizens are forced to wear masks to prevent damage to the lungs. Most people who did not evacuate were trapped there by the fires. 

The nearly unstoppable flames continue to grow to this minute, engulfing forests and homes. Many organizations are offering psychological and physical help. Even the United States sent over one-hundred firefighters to aid the effort. 

At least twenty people have died, and even more are injured. Thousands have lost their homes. A mass evacuation took place, and the people were taken on boats from the Australian Navy. It not only humans; the nation’s flora and fauna are in danger, too. Animals are dying and seventeen million acres have burned. 

Everyone at WMS interviewed knew about the bushfires. One student said, “I think that it should be stopped quickly, and there are a lot of animals in danger.” They were right, as a staggering one billion animals have died. Although organizations are trying their best, (All of the students would consider donating!) the animals deaths just keep on coming. 

Kayla Parrinello, a seventh grader, remarked, “It’s all over the news and stuff, you can’t really avoid it.” It is all over the news, and has been for months. But the fire is making progress, and it’s only gotten worse.

Luckily, Australia is on track for rain, and the drought will be over. People are hoping this will put out a majority of the fires, and can start reconstructing homes, and rehabilitating animals.

UPDATE: A majority of the fires are contained and out. But, they are still burning in many places like New South Wales and Victoria.