Metallica donates more than $500,000 to bushfire relief in Australia

Metallica is joining a growing group of celebrities making big-time donations to fight Australia's worst bushfires on record.

Due to warmer-than-normal weather and a prolonged dry season, fires have burned on the continent for months. Officials have blamed the deaths of 28 people and 500,000 animals on the blazes, which have burned 41,000 square miles and destroyed more than 2,400 homes.

The country has been in a state of emergency since December as the fires have gotten even worse.

"We are totally overwhelmed by the news of the wildfire sweeping through millions of acres across Australia, with major impact in New South Wales and Victoria," Metallica said in a statement. "The resulting destruction and devastating effects on all residents, animals, the environment and the incredible land in Australia is truly heartbreaking."

Metallica alongside its All Within My Hands Foundation went on to pledge $750,000 AUD (about $515,000 USD) to the NSW Rural Fire Service and to the Country Fire Authority.

"Please join us and do whatever you can to assist..." the band added.

The NSW Rural Fire Service is the world's largest volunteer firefighting organization. Funds donated go directly to services to victims of the fires.

Elton John closed a recent show in Sydney by announcing a $1,000,000 donation to wildfire relief. Australian-born actor Chris Hemsworth also recently announced a $1,000,000 gift.

This article was first published on iheart.com and is republished here with permission