Australia continues to burn

Ablaze by one of the worst fire seasons Australia has faced, those in the southeast of the country have been warned to expect conditions to worsen.

Supermarket shelves are empty, gas stations have closed and roads are congested with traffic as residents flee from the danger.

Firefighters are currently battling to subdue more than 147 bush fires. The death toll has risen to 18 since Friday. An estimated 1 000 homes have been destroyed, and nearly have half a billion animals have died.

Government officials warn that this weekend coming is potentially the grimmest yet, as the flames are predicted to flare.

Early on Friday, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSWFS) expanded the estimate of land at risk from spreading fires, to include ’ember attacks.’ This phenomenon is when burning wood fragments are carried by the wind and cause vegetation or homes to catch alight.

The weather this weekend was expected to bring high winds and temperatures over 38 degrees celsius.

Pictures shared on social media show how the sky has turned a hellish shade of red, frightening many and leaving the world concerned and heartbroken for Australia.