Wildlife Information and Rescue Service (WIRES) has been receiving many calls and messages from members of the public who are wanting to help wildlife in this terrible bushfire crisis. 

WIRES would like to thank the community for their concern about local wildlife and express their gratitude for the generous offers of help that are being forwarded to us. 

WIRES Northern Rivers would like to convey that, at present, there is nothing WIRES volunteers are able to do to rescue animals from the active fire zones as it is unsafe to go into these areas and access is open to fire fighting personnel only. 

Busby the Eastern Grey joey who survived the recent Busby’s Flats fire is currently in care with WIRES, recovering from burns to his feet. 

If and when there is opportunity to respond, they will be doing all they can to assist injured animals. 

Sadly, in severe fires, very little wildlife survives and it is not until later that animals that may have been displaced from their homes move into more populated areas and are reported to us. 

If anyone in or around the fires finds injured animals in the Northern Rivers area, please contact WIRES on 66281898.

Please do not call the Hotline to offer assistance at the moment as it is needed for rescue calls. 

However, if you are looking for things you CAN do to assist at the moment, WIRES suggests the following: 

• Consider donating to WIRES. You can do so online by going to https://www.wires.org.au/ Click on the "donate" button.

In the Notes field you can indicate if you would like your donation to support fire affected areas or if you would like it to go to the local Northern Rivers branch.

You can also donate by cheque to PO Box 1356, Lismore, NSW 2480 – Please provide contact details and a receipt will be posted to you. All local donations support the rehabilitation of Northern Rivers wildlife.

• Everyone can assist wildlife in their local area by putting out water for animals. Remember to put in a stick or rock so small animals can’t drown. 

• If you are keen to make a longer-term commitment to helping wildlife in our area, consider joining WIRES. For more information about how you can join and contribute email wiresnr@wiresnr.com .  

• Follow WIRES Northern Rivers on Facebook for further information as the fire crisis unfolds.

WIRES relies heavily on the generosity of caring people for support. 

All donations $2 and over are tax deductible.

 Now is also a great time to join WIRES and start learning to be a wildlife rescuer. 

The 24-hour hotline is for all rescue, advice or membership calls in the Northern Rivers - call 6628 1898 or go to http://wiresnr.org/Helping.html to find out how you can help.