Fires raging out of control during a summer heatwave have engulfed more than 350,000 hectares of forest land in the state of Victoria since midweek, destroying more than 300 structures, including homes, and leaving thousands without power, Reuters reports.
Authorities said the fires were the worst to hit the southeast since the “Black Summer” of 2019-2020, which destroyed an area the size of Turkey and killed 33 people.
Human remains were found next to the vehicle near the town of Longwood, about 110 km north of the capital Melbourne, Victoria Police said in a statement, adding that the victim had not yet been identified. That fire has already destroyed estates, vineyards and agricultural land.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said more than 30 fires were burning across the state. Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman said it would likely take weeks for firefighters to bring the fires under control.
Allan announced on Platform X that a total fire ban was in place in Victoria as thousands of firefighters and more than 70 aircraft battled the blazes.
– The smoke from the fire is affecting the air quality in many areas of Victoria, including the capital Melbourne – she added.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the federal government would offer immediate financial assistance to residents affected by the fires, as well as to farmers, who have extraordinary costs for emergency feed distribution.
– It is estimated that thousands of cattle were probably affected – said Albanese in a televised address.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
