S. Australia Bracing For More Fires - Intense Heat, High Winds Expected By Weekend

[hatrack]

MELBOURNE, Australia—Officials warned Tuesday the wildfires that devastated southern Australia this month could flare anew when high winds and hot temperatures sweep the region later this week. The death toll from the blazes rose to 210. Australia's insurance council, meanwhile, reported thousands of claims totaling more than a half-billion dollars in damage from the Feb. 7 fires that tore through Victoria state.

Four major fires are still burning in the region, and officials warned that temperatures are expected to rise on Friday to the high 90s Fahrenheit (high 30s Celsius) and be accompanied by strong winds.

"It is important that people understand the events of Black Saturday are not over," Victoria state's Emergency Services Commissioner Bruce Esplin said, referring to the Feb. 7 fires. "The devastating fire season continues."

Hundreds of fires swept a vast area of Victoria when record temperatures of about 117 F (47 C) and 60-mph (100-kph) winds and forests dried by years of drought combined into infernos. The confirmed death toll rose Tuesday to 210 and was expected to climb higher as more remains were identified from the rubble.

EDIT

http://www.boston.com/news/world/australia/articles/2009/02/24/southern_wildfires_continue_to_rage_in_australia/