Australia is facing the worst bushfires in decades. 

Since fire season began last September, large parts of the country have been devastated. 

New South Wales, the country's most populous state has issued a seven-day state of emergency. 

The state has been hit the hardest by the deadly bushfires. 

The fires are responsible for 17 deaths and has destroyed thousands of homes. Strong winds, record-setting heatwaves, and a major drought are only adding fuel to the fire. 

CGTN spoke with Sweta Chakraborty, Risk and Behavioral Scientist about why the fires are so bad this year and what the government should do.