As the crisis enters its fourth month, The Salvation Army recognizes the tremendous risk and sacrifice our firefighters are making to contain blazes on multiple fronts around the country. And our deepest sympathies go out to the families of the volunteers who have lost their lives protecting others.

Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) teams remain active at multiple locations across the country providing immediate emotional, spiritual and material support to firefighters, volunteers and evacuees. They will remain in activation as the disaster continues to unfold.

“The effort and commitment from our SAES volunteers continues to be exceptional,” said Norm Archer, The Salvation Army Strategic Emergency and Disaster Management Coordinator for NSW/ACT.

As the fires continue to burn, many Australians will be experiencing a Christmas season and New Year like no other. One where they are unable to return home. One where they have seen their livelihoods go up in smoke. One where they must work tirelessly battling blazes or at evacuation centres rather than celebrating. And tragically for some, one without loved ones.

We pray for the safety of all Australians at this time and stand with those impacted by the ongoing crisis, now and into the future, for as long as it takes to recover.

The Salvation Army offers a range of services and assistance measures to help people who have been impacted by bushfires including:

• Financial assistance
• Emotional wellbeing and support services
• Information, referrals and advice.

You can help with a gift to The Salvation Army World Service Office.