Wildfires continue to rage in Australia

Residents flee their homes as resurgent Australian wildfires destroyed at least one home and injured two firefighters on the outskirts of Melbourne. (AFP) 

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  • AP
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Officials say the threat from a series of wildfires that have burned across southern Australia this month has not passed, predicting a return to dangerous conditions later this week.

Victoria state Emergency Services Commissioner Bruce Esplin said on Tuesday at a briefing of emergency officials, “The devastating fire season continues.”

Blazes on February 7 claimed at least 210 lives.

Esplin said at least 2,029 homes were destroyed in the fires – raising the tally from some 1,800 homes. The Insurance Council of Australia said Tuesday that 6,230 claims totaling A$790 million ($510 million; Dh1.9 billion) had been lodged.

Four major fires continue to burn. Temperatures are expected to rise on Friday to the high 30s Celsius, accompanied by strong winds. 

 

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