Bushfires are raging across Queensland in Australia burning down hundreds of houses. While around 1,000 firefighters are trying to douse the fire, the heatwave is making matters worse. It is said to be the worst known bushfire season of the state with the nation's warmest summer on record. As temperatures soar towards 40 degrees Celsius over the weekend, searches for surviving the fire has gone upwards. Google Trends shows a spike in the searches for questions related to Australian bushfires. People also took to the giant search engine, Google with the questions 'Where are the bushfires in Queensland?', 'What is a bushfire?', 'How to prepare for a bushfire?' among others.

Google Trends tweeted saying, As #bushfires tear through parts of QLD and NSW, these are the top searched questions by Australians. Please stay alert and safe! For updates and advice on how to prepare, refer to @NSWRFS

or @QldFES." Check out the answers of the top five questions asked about Queensland bushfire. Amazon Rainforest Fires: Indigenous Brazilian Woman Cries in Anger Pointing at Forest Burning Behind Her (Watch Video)

Where are the bushfires in Queensland?

Bushfires in Australia occur generally during the warmer months of the year. The fire ignited by rubbing of dry trees spreads massively bringing down acres of land. It results in loss of human life and also causes property damage. With Australia known for its thick flora and fauna, fire events result in terrible loses.

How Do Bushfires Start?

Bushfires can be caused due to multiple reasons throughout Australia. During the warmer months, the chances of fire are more. It can also be caused due to human activities like leaving a burning cigarette butt near dry grass or lighting an object in the open. Once the fire starts, it becomes difficult to hold the fire as the weather is typically hot and dry. Bolts of lightning can also start bushfires.

Where Are the Bushfires in NSW?

New South Wales (NSW) is a southeastern state in Australia. Bushfires have become uncontrollable in NSW as strong winds continue to blow in the region. It has burned more than 7300 hectares in the Yuraygir National Park and Shark Creek area. The weather conditions are making it difficult for firefighters to stop the fire from causing further destruction.

How to Prepare for a Bushfire?

People are advised to evacuate their houses if they stay close to dry forest. There is an array of things you can do to keep your home away from the bushfire, but considering the situation, it is advisable to leave the area. Drink plenty of water to keep yourselves hydrated. Arrange wet logs of woods outside your house to stop the fire. Switch off the electricity connection and keep a torch handy. Remove all kinds of obstacles from door and stairways.

Aerial footage of the destruction caused by bushfires showed tall trees engulfed by red flames. Australia has been experiencing its hottest summer from December through February. AFP quoted weather bureau climatologist Lynette Bettio on Friday as saying, "The heat we saw this summer was unprecedented. While the final numbers are yet to be analysed, we know it will be the warmest on record for Australia as a whole, and many individual locations will have broken summer heat records as well."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 10, 2019 01:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).