Bushfires continue to engulf Australia

There's no respite from the wildfires in Australia. The fires have been burning since September and so far, have killed 17 people. The blazes have left some small towns in ruins and an area bigger than Denmark has been scorched.

Although bushfires can be caused by lightning, often it's due to man-made events such as campfires, cigarettes, sparks from machinery, overhead power lines and controlled burning on agricultural land.

Reports also indicate that climate change is contributing to the ferocity of the fires. Hotter and drier conditions and record low rainfall over several years, combined with unusually strong winds has meant the fires have spread rapidly.

Fire crews, who are mainly volunteers, are putting their lives in danger daily to help fight the fires. This footage was filmed by one of the crews. Incredibly they all escaped without injury.

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