One person died and 300 properties were destroyed in devastating bushfires across south-east Australia. The fires raged for several days in Victoria and New South Wales. The blazes consumed an area almost twice the size of Greater London.
A state of emergency was declared in Victoria. Thousands of firefighters and over 70 aircraft battled the inferno. Residents in more than a dozen communities were advised to evacuate. The fires started days ago and continue to burn.
Victoria's Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed 30 active fires burned across the state. Ten were of particular concern. As of Sunday morning, 350,000 hectares were burnt.
The fires were fueled by hot, dry, and windy conditions. Authorities fear they could burn for weeks.
Officials expect fires to continue across the state. The situation remains critical.
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