The media and celebrities blamed climate change for the deadly fires in Australia, while authorities arrested 183 people for deliberately igniting the fires.

Senator Bernie Sanders blamed climate change for Australia’s forest fires last week and advised those not taking action to take notice of the sky and unbreathable air. Sanders tweeted, “I say to those who are delaying action on climate change: Look at the blood-red sky and unbreathable air in Australia because of raging forest fires. Our futures are all connected. That is why we must bring the world together and enact a Green New Deal.”

Actress Bette Midler called Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison an “idiot” for not wanting to address climate change at this time. Midler tweeted, “Pity the poor #Australians, their country ablaze, and their rotten @ScottMorrisonMP saying, “This is not the time to talk about Climate Change. We have to grow our economy.” What an idiot. What good is an economy in an uninhabitable country? Lead, you fuckwit!!”

Australian born actress Cate Blanchett spoke about the wildfires and demanded action against climate change at the Golden Globes but failed to mention the arsonists.

Jennifer Aniston read Russell Crowe’s acceptance speech at the Golden Globes. “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.”

The fires have destroyed millions of hectares of land, killed millions of animals, ravaged thousands of homes, and have caused 18 deaths so far.

Police have arrested 183 people in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia for lighting bushfires according to police data. 24 people were arrested and charged with arson in New South Wales, facing up to 25 years in prison. 69 juveniles and 32 adults in Queensland were identified as responsible for starting 103 fires in Queensland. In Tasmania, 5 people were caught igniting fire to vegetation.

Dr. Paul Read of the National Centre for Research in Bushfire and Arson said about 85% of bushfires are caused by humans, either accidentally or deliberately.

“About 85 per cent are related to human activity, 13 per cent confirmed arson and 37 per cent suspected arson,” Dr. Read stated. “The remainder are usually due to reckless fire lighting or even just children playing with fire.” Dr. Read said summer school holidays are “primetime fore fire bugs.”

Last week, 7 News Sydney reported, “Police are now working on the premise arson is to blame for much of the devastation caused this bushfire season.”