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Firestorm Kills Dozens

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The Associated Press

Published: February 9, 2009

HEALESVILLE - Entire towns have been razed by wildfires raging through southeastern Australia, burning people in their homes and cars in the deadliest blaze in the country's history. The number of dead today stood at 128, a grim toll that rose almost by the hour as officials reached further into the fire zone.

Searing temperatures and wind blasts created a firestorm that swept across a swath of the country's Victoria state, where at least 750 homes were destroyed and all of the victims died.

"Hell in all its fury has visited the good people of Victoria," Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said. "It's an appalling tragedy for the nation."

The skies rained ash and trees exploded in the inferno, witnesses said, as temperatures of up to 117 degrees combined with blasting winds to create furnacelike conditions.

The Victoria Country Fire Service said about 850 square miles were burned out.

On Sunday, temperatures in the area dropped to about 77 degrees, but along with cooler conditions came wind changes that officials said could push fires in unpredictable directions.

The Associated Press

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