"There are people out there who have lost their lives trying to save homes."

Elton John pledged $1 million to the Australian bushfires relief fund during a recent concert in Sydney. The performer told of his upset in hearing the devastation caused by the fires last night, saying that the loss of habitat as well as animal and human life was "heartbreaking." John said that he planned to donate the money in aid of those working to manage the fires, as well as those seeking relief in the worst affected areas of New South Wales. "There are people who have lost their lives and their homes," he told the crowd at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena. "And last is the plight of the animals and loss of their habitat that, frankly, is on a biblical scale and heartbreaking. Therefore tonight I will be pledging $1 million to support the bushfire relief efforts. "You should all be in awe of the work that the firefighters are doing." The Australian bushfires reached new levels of destruction over the weekend after a week-long state of emergency was announced for NSW. Almost 30 people and up to one billion animals have been killed since last year's bushfire season began. John said that witnessing the loss of life "breaks my heart." "We have to come together and we have to fight, and this is my bid towards it,” he said, announcing his pledge. “To those who have lost their homes, God bless and hope that your lives will be repaired very soon." This comes after actors Chris and Liam Hemsworth also donated $1 million to help those affected by the fires.  The Thor actor shared a video on social media this week encouraging others to donate what they could in aid of the rescue workers risking their lives, and those providing relief to the worst affected areas. "Like you, I want to support the fight against the bushfires here in Australia," said Chris on Instagram. "My family and I are contributing a million dollars. Hopefully you guys can chip in too." Australia's bushfire situation is only expected to get worse as the country enters heatwave season in the coming weeks.