A Lethbridge man living in Australia is feeling more heat than he expected, while being caught in a record-breaking heatwave causing severe bushfires.
Ben Kelly grew up in Lethbridge but moved to Brisbane, Queensland two years ago when he was looking for a way to progress his career while the warmer climate was also a desired perk.
However, with no recent rain and fires raging in several parts of the country, Kelly said the impact of the bush fires are hard to ignore.
He said rivers in his area have gone dry leaving him with no usable water in his home since he uses natural water rather than an in-home water tank.
Due to the rain shortage, Kelly has had so purchase water to he can attempt to continue his normal daily activities.
“I’m just really hoping for a new weather system to kind of come in and disperse all the smoke away from the heavy populated areas and bring some rain along with it,” Kelly said.
The water shortage hasn’t only affected him but has also left his horse feeling the effects of the drought as well. With little to no grass, his horse Kodi has lost weight.
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According to a biodiversity expert from the University of Sydney, Chris Dickman, an estimated one billion animals have been killed due to the bushfires.
The fires that began in late November caused over 140 fires to break out, 50 of which are still uncontrolled. Twenty six lives have also been claimed while the flames have destroyed over 17 million acres of land and over 2,000 homes.
Kelly also mentioned the effects of heavy smoke has caused businesses to close and many people to wear masks. Smoke levels in various cities across the country measured air quality levels that were 11 times higher than the “hazardous” level.
Kelly L’Hirondelle, deputy chief of operations for Lethbridge Fire Services said firefighters battling the extreme conditions could have a long road to recovery as well as people with respiratory health problems.
“It’s a daunting task that they have ahead of them, [it’s] very extreme wildland fire behaviour. There’s a lot of people and wildlife impacted. They’re losing an unimaginable amount of wildland,” he said.
Approximately 2,700 firefighters have been battling the Australia bushfires, more than 160 being Canadians.
Since its fire season has only begun, it could be months before the country sees relief.
