Australian bushfires hit home for many

Tuesday 7th of January 2020

Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers and NSW Fire and Rescue officers fight a bushfire encroaching o

Australia, a country that many in our industry call home, has continued to be impacted by devastating bushfires, destroying communities and displacing thousands.

In this trying time for the Australian people, Asia Gaming Brief would like to highlight the situation on the ground and list a number of related charities and causes that could immediately help those affected.

On Monday, authorities confirmed yet another death as a result of the bushfires - bringing the death toll to 23.

The fires are estimated to have scorched more than 14 million acres of land - larger than the Amazon fires and California fires combined. Thousands of Australian residents have been displaced.

The fires are also estimated to have killed more than half a billion animals. It is heartless, unrelenting and highly efficient.

Last week, Asia Gaming Brief’s Asia Editor was nearly caught between two mammoth fires that have been ravaging the border of Victoria and New South Wales.

He described scenes of burnt trees, melted signs, and red sky as “apocalyptic”. There was a general feeling of unease amongst locals.

He passed through towns that he saw only a few days later on the news, completely destroyed.

While there are a few differing views about why the fires have been particularly impactful this year - the fact is, the country is hurting and it needs our support.

Much of this support is needed by the Rural Fire Service, whose volunteers - made up of everyday Australians, have risked their lives to save communities, homes, and wildlife.

Some will never return home at all.

In this trying time, we hope that you could extend your support to Australia. Below are a few charities that can help to fight fires and support our fire-affected communities.

Bushfire Recovery and Relief