Emergency airlifts, scorched koalas, hazardous air quality – wildfires raging across Australia have taken a devastating toll on the nation, and the blazes could be burning for months to come.

The bushfires, which have been burning since September, have killed at least 25 people, destroyed 2,000 homes and killed an estimated 500 million animals. In all, about 15 million acres have burned across the country – an area roughly the size of West Virginia.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Monday that the government was committing an extra $1.4 billion toward the recovery effort, but some organizations say that's just a drop in the bucket.

Here's how you can help.

What can I do to help victims of the Australia fires?

The best way to help? Take a minute to learn about what caused the Australia fires.

Australia typically has a fire season that runs from December to March, but human-caused climate change has made this year's season particularly catastrophic, experts say.

Human-caused climate change lengthens the fire season, decreases precipitation and increases temperature, fueling the blazes, according to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Last year was both the hottest and driest year ever measured in Australia, the bureau said. December was one of the top two hottest months on record for the nation.

"Climate change is super-charging our natural disaster risks," Greg Mullins, former Fire and Rescue commissioner of New South Wales, told the Sydney Morning Herald. "I wish we were wrong, but we’re not."

What provided the spark that ignited this tinderbox? Two dozen people have been accused of deliberately lighting some of the fires, including a teenage volunteer firefighter.

More on climate change:Australian wildfires 'running out of control,' experts say

Where can I donate to help Australia?

Fire departments: In both Victoria and New South Wales, two of the states hardest hit by the blazes, you can donate directly to the state fire authority or to a local fire brigade, many of which are volunteer-based. "Experience tells us that donation of money is much more effective and provides more flexibility than the donation of material items or pre-loved goods," the Victorian Country Fire Authority says on its website. For fire departments in Victoria, donate at cfa.vic.gov.au. For departments in New South Wales, donate on the government's website.

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service has also set up bank accounts to collect donations for the families of volunteer firefighters who have been killed while on duty. Donate at rfs.nsw.gov.au.

Victorian Government: The Victorian Government, in partnership with Bendigo Bank and The Salvation Army, has established a fund for affected families and communities. According to the government's website, an advisory panel will recommend where funds are distributed. More at vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal.

Australian Red Cross: Since July, the Australian Red Cross has assisted more than 18,600 people affected by the fires, according to its website. The organization says that it is currently supporting thousands of people in evacuation centers and recovery hubs. Learn more about where your money goes and donate at redcross.org.au.

(The American Red Cross is also accepting donations for bushfire relief efforts. More at redcross.org.)

First Nations Communities: Musician and community rights advocate Neil Morris, a Yorta Yorta man, has created a GoFundMe page to provide "culturally sensitive, specific direct support" to First Nations Communities displaced by the fires. Donations – which have reached nearly $600,000 – fund temporary relocation costs, basic amenities, resettling expenses and more. Learn more at au.gofundme.com.

Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal: This Australian nonprofit is raising funds to distribute as grants to rural and regional communities for disaster recovery projects. The grants could be used to repair community infrastructure, provide psychological support to those affected and more. Donate frrr.org.au.

GIVIT: Australian nonprofit GIVIT is collecting donation items requested by people affected by the fires. Items range from dog food to fencing materials. Read about what's needed and donate at givit.org.au/disasters.

Housing: If you live in Australia, you can offer up your home as emergency housing for people displaced by the bushfires. Learn more at cfa.vic.gov.au.

How can I help animals in Australia?

Nearly 500 million animals — including mammals, birds and reptiles — have died in bushfires in New South Wales, Sydney University ecologist Chris Dickman told The Sydney Morning Herald. Many organizations are working to rescue and rehabilitate animals caught in the blazes.

WIRES: The New South Wales-based Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc., Australia's largest wildlife rescue organization, is accepting donations to fund the rescue and care of animals affected by the fires. In December, WIRES received more than 20,000 calls and volunteers attended more than 3,300 rescues, according to the organization's website. All animal rescuers are volunteers. Learn more at wires.org.au.

Koala Hospital Port Macquarie: This koala hospital in New South Wales is accepting donations to fund the rescue, treatment and release of koalas, as well as research and education about koalas. The hospital said Sunday that it is "inundated with supplies to treat burnt koalas" and is now sending boxes of veterinary supplies to the state's south coast, according to the hospital's Facebook page. Donate at koalahospital.org.au/shop/donation.

Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital: Bindi Irwin, the daughter of famed wildlife conservationist and "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, has been taking in many displaced animals at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, which is owned by her mother, Terri. The Queensland hospital is "busier than ever," Irwin said in an Instagram post. The zoo's Wildlife Warriors program is raising money for new enclosures to house flying foxes and koalas injured or displaced by fires. Donate at wildlifewarriors.org.au.

Wildlife Victoria: A nonprofit that provides wildlife emergency response services, Wildlife Victoria is accepting donations to distribute to wildlife shelters to help rebuild enclosures and equipment, the organization says on its website. Donate at wildlifevictoria.org.au.

RSPCA Australia: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Australia, the nation's leading animal welfare charity, is accepting donations to fund the rescue and treatment of animals affected by the fires. RSPCA chapters in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia are accepting donations.

Bindi Irwin:Her family's animal hospital is 'busier than ever' amid wildfires

Zoos Victoria: A nonprofit conservation organization of three zoos in this Australian state, Zoos Victoria is collecting donations to fund emergency veterinary assistance and scientific intervention for affected animals. "What is required right now are funds to ensure we are best placed to deploy this assistance when the time comes," the organization's website says. Learn more at donate.zoo.org.au/donation.

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park: This wildlife park in South Australia is raising money for koala veterinary costs, koala milk and supplements, and extra holding and rehabilitation enclosures. The park has also taken in kangaroos, wallabies, an eagle and a possum. A GoFundMe page organized by park owner Dana Mitchell has raised more than $800,000. Donate here.

World Wildlife Fund Australia: This chapter of the international wildlife conservation organization is accepting donations to care for injured wildlife and, when the fires clear, to plant 10,000 native trees in critical koala habitat, including in "koala triangle," the heartland of Australia's healthiest wild koala populations. Donate at donate.wwf.org.au.

Animal Rescue Craft Guild: This volunteer-run group with participants worldwide is knitting and crocheting protective pouches and blankets for animals displaced by the fires. One organizer told Reuters that the group has supplied thousands of rescue groups around the country. Check out the group's Facebook page.

Australian Koala Foundation: This foundation allows you to "adopt" a koala through a symbolic foster program; your monthly fee funds protection efforts for wild koalas. You can also pay to "plant a tree" to help restore koala habitat. The foundation is also asking that Koala lovers to write letters to politicians in support of the Koala Protection Act.

Who has donated to Australian bushfires?

Several celebrities have pledged donations to local fire departments and shared donation information on social media.

Actress Nicole Kidman and musician Keith Urban, who both hold Australian citizenship, announced their family would donate $500,000 to the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, the volunteer fire department for the Australian state with some of the largest fire breakouts. Pink also pledged $500,000 to local fire departments.

More on donations:Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban pledge $500,000 to fight wildfires

Iggy Azalea, Naomi Watts, Leonardo DiCaprio and others have drawn attention to the issue on social media.

Russell Crowe, who won an award at the Golden Globes on Sunday night, was not present to receive the award because he was home fighting the fires.

"Make no mistake," Crowe wrote in a message to the attendees. "The tragedy unfolding in Australia is climate change-based. We need to act based on science, move our global workforce to renewable energy and respect our planet for the unique and amazing place it is. That way we all have a future. Thank you."

Athletes are also doing their part to support the cause. Several tennis stars – including Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and more – are expected to participate in a "Rally for Relief" exhibition match in Australia next week, in advance of the 2020 Australian Open. Australia's No. 1-ranked tennis player, Ashleigh Barty, has pledged to donate $250,000 in prize money to the Australian Red Cross if she wins the Brisbane International this week.

Can I go to Australia to help with fires?

Most emergency response organizations require volunteers to have training before participating in relief efforts. While booking a ticket to Sydney might not be the most effective way to help, you can still sign up for a training session to help out in the future.

Thinking of donating to another organization? First, check it out on the Australian Charities and Non-Profits Commission's website, or on CharityWatch, a U.S.-based charity watchdog.

Follow USA TODAY's Grace Hauck on Twitter @grace_hauck.