**SYDNEY, Australia (AP) —** Wildfires have ravaged parts of Australia this week, leaving a path of destruction in their wake. Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes, and over a million hectares of land have been burned..
The fires have been fueled by a combination of factors, including severe drought, high temperatures, and strong winds. The drought has left the landscape tinder-dry, and the high temperatures have created the perfect conditions for the fires to spread..
The fires have caused widespread damage to property and infrastructure. Hundreds of homes have been destroyed, and many businesses have been forced to close. The fires have also caused significant damage to the environment, with many native animals being killed..
The Australian government has deployed military personnel and emergency services to help fight the fires. However, the fires are still burning out of control in many areas, and it is unclear when they will be fully extinguished..
The fires have had a devastating impact on the lives of many Australians. Thousands of people have lost their homes and belongings, and many others have been forced to evacuate their homes. The fires have also caused significant economic damage, and it will take years for the affected areas to recover..
**Here are some tips to stay safe during a wildfire:**.
* **Stay informed about the latest fire conditions.** Listen to local radio or television stations, or check the websites of your local emergency management agency..
* **If you are in an area that is threatened by a wildfire, evacuate immediately.** Do not wait until it is too late..
* **If you are unable to evacuate, take shelter in a safe place.** This could be a building with a fire sprinkler system, or a car..
* **Close all windows and doors.** This will help to keep smoke and embers out of your home..
* **Cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth.** This will help to protect you from smoke inhalation..
* **Stay away from windows.** Glass can shatter if exposed to intense heat..
* **If you are trapped in a wildfire, try to find a body of water.** This could be a lake, river, or stream..
* **Stay calm and follow the instructions of emergency responders.**.
**Additional resources:**.
* [Australian Government Bushfire Information](https://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/our-country/bushfires).
* [New South Wales Rural Fire Service](https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/).
* [Country Fire Authority (Victoria)](https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/).
* [Queensland Fire and Emergency Services](https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/).
* [South Australian Country Fire Service](https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/).
* [Western Australian Department of Fire and Emergency Services](https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/).
* [Tasmanian Fire Service](https://www.fire.tas.gov.au/).
* [Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service](https://www.nt.gov.au/industry/primary-industry-and-resources/emergency-management/fire-and-rescue).
* [Australian Red Cross](https://www.redcross.org.au/).
* [Salvation Army](https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/).
* [St Vincent de Paul Society](https://www.vinnies.org.au/).
