Here's how you can help people and animals affected by Australia's bushfire crisis

Australia's devastating bushfire crisis shows no signs of easing as the disaster continues to rage across the country.

Thousands of firefighters are battling to contain the blazes and many continue to burn out of control, threatening to wipe out rural towns causing incalculable damage to property and wildlife.

So far an estimated 9 million hectares has been burnt, an area of land almost the size of Ireland.

More than twenty people have been killed, with many still missing in fire-affected regions across New South Wales and Victoria. 1,300 homes have been destroyed and half a billion animals have perished.

Rescuers across the country have shared videos and photos of burned and dehydrated animals being cared for and fed by local residents.

Animals living in the regions include koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, possums and wombats.

The fires have been exacerbated by 40C temperatures and strong winds, creating difficult conditions for the emergency services deployed in the field.

But there are lots of ways to donate to those who need help:

Australia's Red Cross Disaster relief and recovery fund help support evacuation centres and recovery programmes for the affected communities.

Local fire and rescue services, which are mostly run by volunteers, like the NSW Rural Fire Service and Queensland Fire Service are accepting donations directly.

For international transfers, please use the following:

NSW RFS:

SWIFT 8 Digit Code: WPACAU2S

Or

SWIFT 11 Digit Code: WPACAU2SXXX

To request a receipt please email your name, date of deposit, amount and address to dgr@rfs.nsw.gov.au.

Victoria's CFA and Bushfire appeal

The Salvation Army Australia also have a disaster appeal - who deliver crucial support to local communities as the fires rip through the country.

There are a number of charities looking out for the welfare of animals who've been caught up in the blazes

An estimated 480 million animals have been killed by the devastating fires.

The RSPCA bushfire appeal is used to protect pets, livestock and wildlife in the affected regions.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is also accepting donations to help support conservation efforts - especially for koalas as thousands are feared to have already died.

A Go Fund Me campaign has also been set up to help save Kangaroo Islands Koalas and wildlife with over $778,577 raised so far.

WIRES Australia also desperately need funds to rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned wildlife

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the Australian bushfires.