Daughter’s Post Shows Firefighter Dad Sleeping on Ground After Battling Blazes, Goes Viral

(Illustration - Getty Images)

Firefighters have been working around the clock as wildfires continue to scorch the most populated areas in Australia. New South Wales resident Jenna O'Keefe posted a picture on Facebook showing her volunteer firefighter dad sleeping on the ground on their family farm after his 10th 12-plus-hour day battling the blazes. And it struck a chord with people all over the world.

The photo shows O'Keefe’s father still in full firefighting gear and boots, grabbing some much-needed rest, smoke lingering from fires burning on their property and the nearby areas.

Nearby fires have claimed seven lives and destroyed over 176 buildings, per ABC News, in some cases burning hot enough to melt the metal frames of cars. While the government’s response has drawn criticism around the country, O'Keefe called for Australians to band together and support first responders. Along with her Facebook post, she wrote:

“This is a picture of my dad getting 5 mins sleep on our front lawn, while my brother keeps watch over the fire burning at the top of our farm after he finished his 10th 12 hr+ day in a row fighting voluntarily in the community with the RFS NSW.

“My family have been fighting these fires on our farm and our community nonstop for over a month. They are tired, they are sore, and they are running out of resources.

“Today I heard my Dad cry, he said ‘Jen I have never seen anything like this, it’s never ending.’ We still have over 50 days of summer left, w aren’t even half way and there is currently no end in sight.”

Firefighters, including military reservists called up to active duty, in New South Wales (©Getty Images | PETER PARKS)

While fires continue burning all over Australia, the most badly devastated areas have been in New South Wales and Victoria, in a corridor running through Australia’s most populated cities, from Melbourne to Sydney and all the way to Brisbane.

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) depends on volunteers like O'Keefe’s dad to man its crews. In addition to being out fighting fires all day and night, their family has a blaze on its own property.

While tropical cyclone Blake may give Western Australia some rain, helping farmers there and lowering fire danger, the rains aren’t likely to reach the areas that need them most, like the O'Keefe’s community, which is thousands of miles from the far southeaster parts of the country.

Meanwhile, debates have also raged regarding whether the government’s response has been sufficient. Firefighter Paul Parker of the RFS went viral for venting frustration toward Morrison on 7 News, accusing him of failing to understand the conditions on the ground. Parker told the prime minister that he and his fellow firefighters couldn’t care less about the government. “I do it for my local community, I do it for the township of Nelligen, and the people of Australia,” he stated.

O'Keefe wants people to keep the situation in proper perspective. She added:

“Please don’t become numb to what’s happening. Don’t get caught up in the negativity, the politics, the facebook news, the drama!

“Australia is on fire and there are brave people all over the country VOLUNTARILY fighting day in, day out to keep our lives and homes safe.

“These firefighters need our support more than ever! This should be our one and only focus.

“To all of the people helping directly and indirectly around the country, thank you! To everyone else, don’t forget to donate what you can to your charity of choice, every little bit will help! This is far from over! One commenter who responded to O'Keefe’s impassioned post wrote:

“How can your Dad go on? God be with him and all of the brave fire personnel and families Breaks my heart to see your dear Dad like this.”

O'Keefe also emphasized the importance of donating money to the various organizations like New South Wales Rural Fire Services that are on the front lines. Her picture of her exhausted firefighter father drew sympathy from around the country and the world, showing that many people are thinking of Australia in its time of need.

The RFS has posted links on its website for people to donate to the families of three of its firefighters who have died while battling the blazes.