Wildfires Rage in Australia, Killing 130
Australia is devastated by bushfires. The death toll associated with more than 400 fires in Australia now stands at 130 and it could rise to some 230. 31 fires are still raging throughout the state of Victoria after record heat of 117 degrees F (47 degrees C). Initially, it was believed that wild winds started the fires, but later reports say this is suspected arson. Investigators think the fires were intentionally set, but no arrests have been made.
Australian forest fires are terrifying, partly because native eucalypt forests spew lots of embers. Flames reached up to 50 meters (yards), creating a life-threatening zone of up to 200 meters ahead of the fire front. Here, people can suffocate as heat sears the lungs.
The loss and tragedy is almost incomprehensible. Entire towns have been destroyed and over 1000 homes have been lost.
The bushfires of 2009 are being described as the worst peace time disaster in Australia's history.
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