As the out-of-control bush fires in Australia are about to enter their third month, the horrific stories of those who have lost their lives continue to dominate the news.
The horror of everything around you being at the mercy of a fire that is too powerful to stop is unimaginable for most of us. This will be a Christmas that will be forever etched in the hearts and minds of so many for all the wrong reasons.
The fires, which were declared a catastrophic fire danger in the Greater Sydney region on November 12 have since spread destroying over 800 homes and killing 9 people.
The abundant wildlife in the area has also succumbed to the relentless flames and it’s thought around 1,000 koalas have been killed.
Now an image of a firefighter standing side by side with a koala as the fires burn around them has gone viral prompting thousands to express their horror at the devastation these fires are causing.
It’s a powerful image putting a firefighter at the forefront of this catastrophic disaster at a time when these selfless individuals are losing their lives trying to fight the flames.
Not only are all full-time firefighters working around the clock to tackle around 100 blazes but thousands of volunteer firefighters are leaving their day jobs to help.
One week before Christmas volunteer firefighters Andrew O’Dwyer and Geoffrey Keaton lost their lives after being sent out late at night to a massive firefront, according to BBC News.
Meanwhile, the number of koalas that have been killed in the fires have fueled concerns over the future of the species. Animal rescue groups are out in force to find any koalas that have survived the fires and now face dying of dehydration.
Many firefighters are not only doing all they can to contain the devastating blazes but also trying to save wildlife by giving koalas bottled water.
This heartbreaking image of the fire at the Lobethal vineyard, west of Adelaide, was posted on Facebook by the Eden Hills County Fire Service. The fire has already destroyed over 70 homes, according to LadBible.
More than 1,000 people have shared the image and many have offered tributes to the bravery of the firefighters and thanked them for the sacrifices they are making.
One Facebook user wrote: “Such a powerful photo. One that defines the 2019 fires,” while another said, “Now that’s a moment’s in time. Hope you and the koala are safe now.”
Please share to send love and strength to these selfless individuals who are sacrificing so much to help others, animals and humans.
We hope these fires are put out soon!
