Not your average bushfire

article by Reagan Easter photo by Cora Shandrow

The Australian wildfires have burned since the summer of 2019. While bushfires are not uncommon to Australia, there was something vastly different about these fires that had the media’s attention. But perhaps, a little too late. As mentioned, these fires started back in August of 2019, yet they did not gain any news traction until ultimately the media started its coverage when things began pushing the magnitude boundaries of previous bushfires. Inkwell had the opportunity to interview a current citizen and resident of Australia, Belinda Hicks.

Inkwell: In what ways have you or anyone you know been impacted by the fires?

Hicks: We moved to Darwin on the 21st of December just as the fires started near Canberra. We drove six hours before we got out of the smoke. In January, Steve was sent back to Canberra for 3 weeks to coordinate the helicopters to help spot the fires. Inkwell: While Australian bushfires are a common occurrence, many sources state that this season’s bushfires are unprecedented in damage. In what ways have these fires set themselves apart from your point of view?

Hicks: We normally have bushfires but we have been in drought for so long that this time the fires were out of control. So many fires at the same time and massive areas burning. They use to do yearly burnoffs but they stopped that. I think the government tried to protect the animals and plants by making National Parks. This has caused a lot of buildup of foliage on the ground which leads to more fuel for the fires.

Inkwell: The fires have been burning since summer, but it seems like many other parts of the world didn’t quite know the extent of the fires until social media started putting it into the spotlight. How do you think social media has made an impact on raising awareness?

Hicks: Social media definitely made a big impact on raising awareness. I think I saw it first on Facebook before the news on tv. People saying what they are going through and seeing their photos makes it easier to relate to.

Inkwell: Are you yourself taking any action to help mitigate the impacts of the fire and what ways do you think other people from around the world can do to help?

Hicks: We have donated to the cause like many people around the world. There are a lot of people that are now homeless and will need to rebuild. I’m hoping the money goes to them. Australia just needs more rain. But now it is raining and now there have been floods. I believe we need to start burning-off again yearly. Then if there are fires again, they are easily controlled because there will be less fuel burning.

With the change in climatic conditions for Australia, more rain and cooler temperatures have helped slow the fires' rampage.