MORE than 200 homes were destroyed or damaged by bushfires burning across large parts of New South Wales on Tuesday, when the fire-danger rating was raised to “catastrophic” because of high temperatures, fierce winds, and dry conditions caused by prolonged drought. Twenty-one people were injured, including three firefighters.

Earlier, three people died and many homes were destroyed by bushfires raging across parts of Queensland; 60 fires are still burning across that state, and conditions are expected to worsen in the coming days. Experts predict that there will be an even graver fire danger this summer.

The Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Glenn Davies, has launched an appeal for donations to assist people affected by the bushfires in New South Wales.

Funds raised by the appeal, run by Sydney diocese’s relief and aid agency, Anglican Aid, will go to Anglican churches in the affected areas where specific applications have been made. Anglican Aid says that the funds will “ensure help to people who may miss out on official assistance”, and will be “a tangible symbol of God’s grace to us all”.

Dr Davies has appealed to Anglicans and other Christians to pray “fervently” for those in danger.