Nation unites to say thanks, but threat remains

It’s time to thank our firefighters, who remain on the frontline as the fire threat lingers. Plus, how you can help, and fire latest.

Online graphic to go with front story

SHOOTS of green are starting to appear in the stark, blackened landscape of fire-ravaged southeast Australia.

And while this burst of colour — aided by this week’s heavy rain across the North East, Gippsland and southern NSW fire grounds — does not mask the horrific scars of the recent bushfire crisis, it certainly offers a much-needed glimpse of hope.

Like these green shoots, farmers and communities ravaged or touched by fire are still brittle and exposed to the elements. But also like these shoots, they will grow and with support rise out of the ashes.

There is a lot to be learned from the fire crisis of the past few weeks. In Victoria alone, it burned 1.4 million hectares, razed at least 396 homes and 619 outbuildings and resulted in five deaths. Australia-wide, more than 10.2 million hectares of land has been burnt this summer, with at least 2763 homes destroyed and 29 lives lost, not to mention the livestock and wildlife lost.

But before the inquiries are convened, the paperwork piles up and the blame game fires up (even more), it time to reflect and give thanks.

The worst of experiences brings out the best in people. To the 2970 firefighters nationally — and 1500 in Victoria — who risked their lives to bring this crisis under control, we thank you.

To the communities and volunteers who worked around the clock to feed, water and house these unnamed unsung heroes, thank you. To the broader emergency services who went above and beyond to prevent further loss of life and property, thank you.

To the millions who have donated to help Australia get back on its feet, thank you.

Together, like those shoots of green, we will rise again.

MORE: SPECIAL BUSHFIRE REPORTS

VICTORIA

1.4 million ha burnt

At least 396 homes destroyed and 619 outbuildings

14 fires currently burning

1500 firefighters

At least 4669 livestock perished

5 people confirmed dead

NATIONAL

More than 10.2 million ha burnt

At least 2763 homes destroyed and 5852 outbuildings

84 fires currently burning

2970 firefighters

At least 57,088 livestock perished

29 people confirmed dead

MAP: HOW THE FIRES HAVE SPREAD IN THE PAST FORTNIGHT (PDF)

HOW YOU CAN HELP

CASH DONATIONS

VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE APPEAL

vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal

BLAZEAID

blazeaid.com.au/donations

NSW FARMERS BUSHFIRE APPEAL FUND

nswfarmers.org.au/ndrf

FODDER DONATIONS

VICTORIAN FARMERS FEDERATION FODDER DRIVE

Phone: [phone]

NSW FARMERS MEMBER SERVICE CENTRE

For farmers who can donate fodder, phone: [phone]

NSW AGRICULTURAL AND ANIMAL SERVICES HOTLINE

For farmers who need emergency fodder or water for stock, phone: [phone], or send a direct message via the NSW DPI Facebook page.