The Australian bushfires started at the beginning of September and have shown no signs of stopping any time soon. The fires have largely been concentrated in the southeastern state of New South Wales. At least 25 people have died so far due to the fires. It is said that an estimated 1 billion organisms have died so far. The smoke from these fires has blown eastward across the Tasmanian sea and it has enveloped New Zealand. The fires have caused increased levels of carbon monoxide, which can be poisonous if it is inhaled a lot. Nearly 18 million acres of land have been burned (most of it bushland, forests and national parks, which are home to the country's wildlife.)
Police have charged at least 24 people for intentionally starting bushfires in the state of New South Wales and the police have taken legal action against 183 people for fire-related offenses. Police are now focused more on the burn ban across the state. Recently, three people have been charged with breaching the fire ban. In November, the Fire Service arrested a 19-year-old volunteer member on suspicion of arson. Another man was charged after authorities found several fires lit on his property in another town.
