A firestorm that devoured everything in its path. This is how the forest fires that ravaged Australia a year ago and which destroyed everything in its path are described. In the Australian documentary "Australia in flames", which is currently available to watch on SVT Play, both private individuals and firefighters testify to an unparalleled firestorm - and which turned everything to ashes.

On November 8, a number of uncontrolled forest fires are taking place in large parts of New South Wales.

- The fire became so large that it gave rise to its own weather with winds of 22 m / s. It could not be stopped, says Toni Kearny, one of the victims.

"How the hell could that happen?"

She and her husband changed their plan - instead of staying and protecting their home, they chose to take the car and flee. In the car through the inferno, you hear the panic in Toni Kearny's voice.

- I can not believe it, how the hell could this happen? she says in a video filmed with her mobile phone.

Jochen Spencer also witnessed the flames and managed to film a fire tornado.

- Hell, it's damn big. I have never looked at my husband, he says in the clip.

- The fire was impossible to stop. It was so big and there were flames everywhere. For a long time I thought I would be badly burned or die, he continues in "Australia burns".

Lost both father and brother in the flames

On December 30, a fire broke out in the area around Cobargo on the south coast of New South Wales. Aaron Salway lost both his brother and his father in the flames and in the documentary he tells about the grief.

- I never forget that fire and my children probably do not either. It has etched itself in the brain. I never want to see anything like it again, he says.

A day later, it was the seaside resort of Mallacoota in Victoria. First it was red, then it turned black - even though it was morning.

- We have heard stories that it gets dark before the fire, but nothing can prepare you for what a strange experience it is. It gets totally dark like at night and you get ash and smoke in your throat and eyes, says Nick Ritar.

You can see the whole "Australia in flames" here.