More than 150 wildfires have broken out in Australia since January 7. The fires have burned through more than 324,000 acres of forest and farmland. The largest fire destroyed 100,000 acres in New South Wales, the country's most populous state. It spread across 60 miles and destroyed 28 homes. A fire on the island of Tasmania destroyed 128 homes. Wildfires are common during the Australian summer. But the country is experiencing a dangerous heat wave. Four of its 10 hottest days on record have occurred in 2013. On January 7, Australia had its hottest day on record: 104.6°F.

To access the digital edition of TIME For Kids, go to timeforkids.com/digital.