It would be difficult not to have heard about the Australian bushfires this year. Not only have they caused a lot of destruction of land, they have killed many people and are responsible, according to some estimates, for over 1 billion animals dying. They are raging across the country along with problems of drought and high temperatures. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be an end to the problem at this point and with the forecast, it appears as if that is going to be the case for a while.
As is often true when there is any type of natural disaster, people begin pointing the finger immediately and trying to place blame. The response of the government is one area that has drawn some harsh criticism. Not only are they being criticized for the disaster and the way that they responded, they are also being criticized for the role that they may play in climate change. Through it all, however, there has been one group of individuals who have stood out and they are the firefighters.
A massive shout out to 100s and 100s of volunteers that gave up their Christmas and Boxing Day to cut lines, backburn, mop up and black out. This is extremely important work to try and contain fires ahead of deteriorating weather early next week. Thank you. #NSWRFS #nswfires pic.twitter.com/TnJA46vN4i
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) December 26, 2019
In many parts of the world, firefighters are paid for the services they provide but in Australia, many firefighters are volunteers. For example, there are some 70,000 volunteers in the New South Wales Fire Service, with many more across the country. They fight fires but they also work regular jobs.
Great work by water bombers and ground crews yesterday at the Sunnataram Forest Monastery near Penrose in the southern highlands. A number of outbuildings were unfortunately lost however the main Pagoda has been saved. #nswrfs #nswfires pic.twitter.com/xVi4aOtFlL
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 11, 2020
Some of the firefighters are stepping away from their paid jobs to protect lives and property. Some compensation is available for those firefighters but that isn’t always the case.
The famous sails of the @SydOperaHouse have been lit up in a special tribute tonight. While there have been many people, agencies and groups involved in the bush fire effort, there is special recognition for #NSWRFS volunteers who have given up their time to help others. pic.twitter.com/QEMfGxQz5k
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 11, 2020
Unfortunately, the firefighters do not always get the support they need to keep going. The Sydney Opera House paid a tribute to those firefighters recently by lighting up their sails with pictures of those men and women.
The opera house has also announced a benefit gala, known as “Comedy Steps Up for Bushfire Relief” to be held on March 16.
To help raise money for fire affected communities, @LiveNationOzNz and the Sydney Opera House present ‘Comedy Steps Up for Bushfire Relief’, an outdoor gala on the Opera House Forecourt on March 16, featuring @timminchin, @UrzilaCarlson, @joelcreasey, @arjbarker plus more.
— Sydney Opera House (@SydOperaHouse) January 10, 2020
March may seem a long way away but the fires are not showing any signs of stopping.
There are many fundraisers and events planned to help raise money.
Thank you to our amazing volunteers! pic.twitter.com/YEnw2RHVCU
— Gladys Berejiklian (@GladysB) January 11, 2020
But the images on the sails are a way to let everyone know they are supported. Louise Herron, CEO of the Sydney Opera House said:
“We are lighting the Opera House sails to show our collective support for everyone affected by these devastating fires and to express our deepest gratitude to the emergency services and volunteers for their incredible efforts and courage.”
“As difficult circumstances continue, we want to send message of hope and strength to the people of Australia.”
Source: Diply
