Indigenous Australians say traditional land burning could help counter bushfires

Indigenous Australian Jacob Morris, who was taught ancient burning techniques by his family, tests the quality of the forest soil as he speaks about cultural burning in Illaroo, New South Wales, Australia, January 22, 2020. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

ILLAROO, Australia (Reuters) - As bushfires engulf parts of southeastern Australia, indigenous Australians say their traditional land burning methods could help contain out-of-control blazes that have led to the worst wildfire season on record.

Hundreds of wildfires in Australia have killed 29 people since September, as well as an estimated 1 billion animals, while incinerating 2,500 homes and a total area of bushland one-third the size of Germany.