Yesterday I posted the story about the koala seeking refuge (and yes, they normally do not like people as was mentioned in the comments) but Australia has been battling with some especially dangerous wildfires this year. As almost always seems to be the case, arsonists are suspected. What goes through someone's mind to start such fires?
At least 35 people have died in Australia's worst wildfire disaster in decades as flames rage across the south-east of the country. There are fears that the death toll could exceed 40.
A fatal combination of scorching temperatures, tinder-dry leaves and strong winds saw huge bush fires engulf parts of Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.
Worst hit was Victoria, with 35 confirmed deaths in a massive blaze that swept through four rural towns in the Gippsland farming region, north-west of Melbourne, as firefighters struggled on at least 12 major fronts. Witnesses described seeing trees exploding and skies raining ash.
Six people in one car were killed at Kinglake, while four deaths were reported at nearby Wandong, three at Strathewen and one in Clonbinane.
"This is an absolute tragedy for the state and we believe the figure may even get worse," said state deputy police commissioner Kiernan Walshe. "We base that on the fact that we're only just getting into these areas now... to search buildings... the figure could get into the forties."
Hundreds of homes had been razed to the ground and police believe arsonists are responsible for some of the blazes.
