- As of Monday morning in Australia, there were 136 fires burning across New South Wales and dozens more across Victoria and other nearby states.
- Here is a list of organizations taking donations to support rescuers and others affected by the bushfires.
- Visit Business Insider Australia's homepage for more stories.
There are many ways you can help those affected by the bushfires blazing across parts of Australia's east coast that have claimed lives, destroyed homes, and killed millions of animals.
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service said that as of 6 a.m. local time on Monday there were 136 fires burning across the state, 69 of which were uncontained.
At 6am, there are 136 fires which continue to burn across NSW, 69 uncontained. All fires remain at Advice. Today crews will focus on containment of these large fires, working with heavy plant and aviation assets. #nswrfs#nswfirespic.twitter.com/f2OWkze8nC
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 5, 2020
The fire service said on its website that while there are many ways you can help, "the best way is to donate money."
"This allows people to buy the things they need, and it supports local businesses which have also been impacted," it said. "We know many people want to donate physical items such as food and clothing but these take up much needed community space."
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews echoed that sentiment, saying on Twitter that relief organisations "don't have space to sort or store donations."
I know it’s tough to watch this all unfold & feel helpless. I know a lot of people want to get stuck in & lend a hand. But it's important to remember that the emergency relief effort is being run by experienced organisations – & they don't have space to sort or store donations.
— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) January 5, 2020
Here are 8 organizations you can donate to:
1. Australian Red Cross Disaster Recovery and Relief
The Red Cross supports a variety of efforts, such as helping people at evacuation centres and providing emergency assistance like cash grants to people who have lost their homes.
2. Salvation Army Disaster Appeal
Salvation Army team members are providing meals to first-line responders and evacuees and offering other support, Maj. Topher Holland, the organization's general manager of strategic emergency and disaster management, said in a statement.
3. St. Vincent de Paul Society Bushfire Appeal (NSW)
Vinnies' bushfire appeal helps provide food, clothing, and money that bushfire victims may need to pay their bills.
4. NSW Rural Fire Service
You can donate straight to the fire service or to your local Rural Fire Brigade to support volunteer firefighters.
5. Victoria Country Fire Authority Bushfire Disaster Appeal
Like with the Rural Fire Service, you can donate to a specific brigade or provide a general donation.
6. Victorian Bushfire Appeal
The Victorian government teamed up with the Salvation Army and Bendigo Bank for the appeal, saying that all funds go to communities in need.
7. Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
The organisation has a GoFundMe page seeking funding for koalas affected by the bushfires.
8. Wires
New South Wales' Wildlife Information, Rescue, and Education Service rescues and cares for animals and is seeking donations for volunteer carers and rescuers.