Bush fire conditions eased in Australia yesterday after a grueling night for firefighters, with authorities saying they expect at least a week of milder weather in which to step up defences against the huge blazes still burning.

New South Wales police say that areas not affected by the bush fires of the South Coast, a popular holiday destination, are in a position to reopen for business, although national parks remain closed until 1 February.

Officials have been urging foreign tourists to continue visiting Australia, which depends on income from tourism as the industry accounts for 3.1 percent of the country's gross domestic product.

Sydney thanks all our heroes.

Thank you for your sacrifice, we couldn't survive without our volunteer fire fighters!

Thank you a million times 🙏🏽#AustraliaFires pic.twitter.com/XZV640oA3E

— René Silva 🇦🇺🇸🇻 (@Rene_Silva_Aus) January 12, 2020

Meanwhile, Communications Fiji Limited through its five radio stations - Legend FM, FM96, Navtarang, Radio Sargam and Viti FM and website, fijivillage.com has started the CFL Australia Bush fire Victims Appeal.

Thousands of Australian families have lost their homes, farms, businesses, and far worse, some people have lost loved ones.

We are calling on all Fijians in Fiji and abroad to become part of CFL’s Australia Bush fire Victim Appeal and donate to help our brothers and sisters in Australia.

Funds raised through CFL’s Australia Bush fire Victims Appeal will be given to the Australian Red Cross.

Donations can be made through deposits in Westpac account number 9800935794. People can also make donations through their M-PAiSA account by using the M-PAiSA app where people will have to go to the business payment section and select Australia Bushfire Appeal and enter the amount.

People can also bring their cash donations to CFL’s home at 231 Waimanu Road, Suva.

The appeal closes at 6pm next Saturday.