Here's how you can help people and animals affected by Australia's bushfire crisis
Fires have been ravaging the country for months, devastating towns, rural communities and livelihoods
Last updated 7th Jan 2020
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, like the NSW Rural Fire Service and Queensland Fire Service are accepting donations directly.
The Salvation Army Australia also have a disaster appeal - who deliver crucial support to local communities as the fires rip through the country.
On Saturday American singer Pink pledged $500,000 to Australian fire services and called on her followers to help by making a donation.
“I am totally devastated watching what is happening in Australia right now with the horrific bushfires,” she tweeted.
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.