Australia's Prime Minister has apologised for taking a holiday to Hawaii, while at home bushfires are ravaging the country's east coast.
Firefighters say there are around 100 bush and grass fires in New South Wales alone, with 55 still to be contained.
Two firefighters died on the country's east coast, while widespread fire warnings remain in place.
Hundreds of people have also been protesting outside Prime Minister Scott Morrison's home in Sydney, demanding urgent action on climate change.
The Liberal Party politician has confirmed he's now cutting short his holiday amid the crisis back home in Australia.
In a statement, Mr Morrison said: "I deeply regret any offence caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bushfires by my taking leave with family at this time.
"I have been receiving regular updates on the bushfires disaster as well as the status of the search for and treatment of the victims of the White Island tragedy.
"The Commonwealth's responsibilities have been well managed by the Acting Prime Minister Minister [David] Littleproud and Minister [Marise] Payne."
He later told Sydney radio station 2GB FM said he'd be getting back to Australia as soon as he could while his family remains on holiday.
He added: "I don't hold a hose mate, and I don't sit in a control room - the brave people who do that are doing that job.
"But I know Australians would want me back at this time, following these fatalities."
He added that he had to bring forward his holiday plans due to planned trips to India and Japan, and that it was unfortunate his leave came at "such an awful time" for many Australians.
Fires have broken out amid the ongoing heatwave in Australia, with this week seeing the highest temperatures in the country since records began.
Two volunteer firefighters died on Thursday after a tree fell on their fire truck, which then rolled over and crashed.
The 2 firefighters killed in a vehicle accident last night are Deputy Captain Geoffrey Keaton 32yrs & Firefighter Andrew O’Dwyer 36yrs, both from Horsley Park Brigade. Our thoughts are with their family, friends & fellow brigade members. #nswrfs pic.twitter.com/p3Y8zX3hBj
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) December 19, 2019
Three others were injured in the incident.
Mr Morrison praised the firefighters for "bravely defending their communities with an unmatched spirit and a dedication that will forever set them apart amongst our most courageous Australians".
