Things Are Starting to Look Up After the Bushfires in Australia, but We’ll Never Forget Those Affected

Recently Australia has been affected by some very large and unrelenting wildfires. While there has always been an annual fire season during the summer in Australia, this time around, the country suffered some of the worst droughts in decades and one of the highest heatwaves this past December. These terrible bushfires have taken the lives of many, and have even possibly wiped out whole species of animals that were unique to Australia. We feel terribly sorry for everyone who has lost their loved ones and their homes to the wildfires.

We at Bright Side would like to take a moment to offer our condolences to each and every person affected by this incident and honor the deeds of fallen men who have bravely fought against the bushfires.

These little children had heroes for dads.

As we welcomed the new year with high hopes, 2 toddlers began theirs without their dads. On the 2nd of January, 2020, the barely 2-year-old Harvey Keaton, who was wearing a tiny firefighter outfit and a had pacifier in his mouth, received a medal to honor his father. His dad, Geoffrey Keaton, was a firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty as he fought against one of Australia’s deadliest wildfires.

Keaton was killed along with his colleague, Andrew O’Dwyer, when a falling tree hit their vehicle, causing it to overturn. Charlotte, the daughter of the other brave firefighter who shared the same fate, wore her dad’s helmet and service medal at his funeral. This was just one of many instances of surviving families being robbed of their loved ones in the wake of the bushfires in Australia. As of the beginning of the year, a total of 27 people have died this fire season.

Both humans and animals have lost their homes.

Australia’s wildfires have also taken the homes of so many, with over 2,000 homes in New South Wales alone either destroyed or damaged. Imagine having lost the very place you feel you belong to, along with everything you have ever owned over the years, in just one swipe. The world as you knew it would completely change, and you’d have to re-build a new home from the ground up.

That number is not even including the natural homes of the animals that have been affected. An estimated half a billion animals were impacted by the bushfires and some of them are in danger of extinction. Their foods and homes are gone, and some of the animals that have survived have endured extensive injuries.

Sacrifices and help will not be forgotten.

On top of Geoffrey Keaton’s coffin, there was a mug with the message, “Daddy I love you to the moon and back!” inscribed on it. Little Harvey and Charlotte might not have a full understanding of their dads’ sacrifice, but they will grow up to learn that their dads were heroes, especially in this desperate time of need. As will all the families of those that have lost their loved ones who went in to fight against the fires.

This devastating incident united people from all over the world as a lot of help came pouring in. Even flowers are beginning to bloom out of the burnt trees. People and animals have lost so much, but there is hope yet for the survivors.

Let’s take a moment to honor those who have sacrificed their very lives to stop the wildfires and thank those who have extended help in any way possible to those who are suffering.

BONUS: It’s finally raining!

If you could say anything to those who have suffered losses due to the wildfires, what would you tell them? After seeing the effects of Australia’s bushfires, what do you think you could do to help?