Ever since September, firefighters in Australia have been pushed to their limits trying to put out the relentless bushfires. Their unwavering commitment and bravery is truly heroic, and now, their work has been honored in the sweetest way.
Keep scrolling to take a look at the touching tribute, as well as the ongoing work the firefighters have been carrying out...
Australia is being ravished by one of the worst bush fire crises the world has seen in decades.
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Due to soaring temperatures and one of the worst droughts in years, the relentless fires have been burning since September. And while long-awaited rainfall has helped - the fires are still burning in many areas.New South Wales has been one of the hardest-hit areas.
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There have been fires reported in every state, but New South Wales truly took a beating by bushfires. More than 6,000 buildings have been destroyed.Thirty-four people have been confirmed to have died in the fires since they started...
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Including several volunteer firefighters.And it's not just the flames themselves that have had deadly consequences...
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In December, the smoke was so bad in Sydney that air quality measured eleven times the "hazardous" level, CNN reports.Over one billion animals have died.
CBS News reports that it's thought now over one billion mammals, birds, and reptiles have died since September.The Australian fire services have also been struggling...
Firefighters all over the country have been tirelessly battling the formidable blazes.
Australia was ultimately forced to make a global call for help...
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Canada was the first to respond and take action. The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, based in Winnipeg, answered the call for help after realizing the bush fire situation is expected to continue for many more weeks and they even gave up their Christmases to help fight the raging fires.Other countries offered their assistance...
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Including the U.S. and New Zealand, who have sent in more firefighters to try and help tackles the blazes.Volunteers stepped forward all around the country...
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Ordinary people with regular professions have been volunteering to help tackle the flames and they have been working for free.The assistance from global fire services has been very much appreciated...
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And the volunteers have shown incredible bravery to leave behind their homes and tackle the fires head-on.Footage of American firefighters arriving at Sydney airport recently surfaced.
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This is the first time since 2010 that the U.S. has sent firefighters to help Australia tackle the blazes, Huffpost reports.There have been around 100 firefighters sent to Australia from the States.
48 U.S. firefighters arriving in Melbourne to lend a hand to the rockstar Aussie crews battling bushfires day & nig… https://t.co/nrRZ84zv3s— usconsulatemelbourne (@usconsulatemelbourne)1578450042.0
As firefighters from the U.S. arrived at Sydney airport, everyone had an amazing reaction to the team's arrival.Â
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Shane Fitzsimmons, commissioner of New South Wales Rural Fire Service, shared the emotional clip on Twitter.The firefighters were welcomed with applause and cheers.
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The clip makes for heartwarming viewing.It's touching sight.
US fire fighters arrived at Sydney Int Airport this week, on their way to assist with fire fighting in Victoria. Co… https://t.co/RyagX6PGzR— Shane Fitzsimmons (@Shane Fitzsimmons)1578559896.0
Now, the heroic firefighters have been honored in the sweetest way.
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Funko Pop, the brand known for making sell-out pop culture collectables, have unveiled a figurine dedicated to the Australian firefighters. Keep scrolling to take a look.The figurine is titled the "RSPCA Bushfire Heroes Firefighter With Koala Funko Pop."
Popcultcha released a statement about the new collectible, writing: "Popcultcha and Funko are teaming up to help provide assistance to Australian wildlife that have been left devastated by the ongoing bushfire crisis with the release of this LIMITED EDITION Bushfire Heroes Pop! Vinyl Figure!"
All proceeds are going to the RSPCA National Bushfire Appeal.
"All profits from the sale of this Popcultcha Exclusive Pop! Vinyl Figure will be donated to the RSPCA National Bushfire Appeal through monthly payments until sold out," the company said.The proceeds will help so many animals in need.
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"The RSPCA are working alongside government and emergency agencies, veterinarians and local authorities to provide much-needed equipment and supplies, emergency care and identifying and assessing injured animals in need of assistance. "Their work will continue for months after the fires have ceased."The limited-edition bushfire heroes pop vinyl is available for pre-order now.
The figurine retails at $19.99. You can check them out here.
What a truly amazing initiative.
For more on the bushfires, keep scrolling to see the touching moment an orphaned kangaroo is seen hugging a teddy bear...