Fresh Australian Bushfires Threaten

WONG:
An update on the bushfires in Australia. Just two weeks after Australias worst fire disaster, a new bushfire threat flared again on the outskirts of Melbourne.

STORY:
More than 100 people evacuated their homes in southern Australia's Victoria state today when new bushfires threatened several communities. This comes two weeks after the nation's worst fire disaster where more than 200 people were killed and thousands were left homeless.

Firefighters are battling three major fires near Melbourne. Fire authorities warned that several communities could be at risk from the fires due to strong winds, dry conditions and rising temperatures.

At least two firefighters have been injured and one house lost as many flee in the latest bushfires.

Authorities are warning people to put their emergency plans into action. More than 100 people from Warburton, east of the Victorian capital Melbourne, set up camp at a nearby sports ground to wait for the fire danger to pass.

Some residents remained behind to defend their properties.

[Warburton Resident]: (DO NOT TITLE BAR)
"I am a little bit concerned with this wind change because the smoke brings a lot of the ambers over."

Some are taking refuge in emergency shelters.

[Warburton Resident]: (do not title bar)
"Nice shelter underneath the front corner of the house, blankets, soaking wet. By the time the fire's gone over, I think we'll be safe."

Under a "stay or go" bushfire policy, people are urged to either leave their homes early or be prepared to stay to defend their homes until the fire danger passes.

Many survivors of the February 7 bushfires complained they were given no warning of the deadly firestorms, which were driven by hot winds and record high summer temperatures.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• ntd
• australia
• firestorm
• bushfire
• victims
• melbourne
• victoria
• warbourton

[melbguy323]

I love how you tie the Upwey fire into the fires in Warburton, totally different areas. But I guess don't let the truth stand in the way of a good story!!