Record-breaking fires have reached 'catastrophic' levels across northern Australia, sending thousands fleeing from their homes

ROB GRIFFITH/AFP/Getty Images

• Australia's northeastern region of Queensland is experiencing unprecedented heat waves and record-breaking wildfires. 
• For the first time in history, fire danger in Queensland has been rated "catastrophic," the highest possible level on the Queensland government's warning scale.
• "We have never, ever, in this state, been in this situation before," Queensland Fire and Emergency Services commissioner Katarina Carroll told the Associated Press.
• Extreme weather brings the devastating impact of human-caused climate change into focus.

Australia's northeastern Queensland region is experiencing unprecedented heat waves and record-breaking wildfires. 

For the first time in history, the fire danger in Queensland has been rated "catastrophic," the highest possible level on the Queensland government's warning scale. 

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