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Here's hope that our Australian members are safe during this awful time. 
Western Australia Bushfire Destroys Most Homes in Half Century
Towering bush fires destroyed nearly 40 homes as they swept through farmland in Western Australia's wheat belt.
By Angus Whitley
Dec. 31 (Bloomberg) -- Fires in Western Australia destroyed 38 homes in the biggest loss of property to a bushfire in the state in half a century, authorities said.
Residents in the Toodyay region, northeast of Perth, may be allowed to return to some burnt-out areas by noon local time today, the state’s Fire and Emergency Services Authority said in an e-mailed statement.
Power lines and livestock were also lost to the blaze, declared a natural disaster by state authorities. The Australian bushfire season runs from November to April, when hot and dry conditions allow flames to ignite and sweep through land. Fires in the state of Victoria in February killed 173 people in a disaster known as “Black Saturday.”
“At this stage it is still not safe for people to return home,” the authority said in the statement. “The bushfire has now been contained but is not under control.”
Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett said yesterday there had been no deaths from the fire, which has consumed more than 2,900 hectares (7,166 acres) of land. One resident suffered burns, and three firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation and heat stroke, the authority said.
The state government is offering as much as A$3,000 ($2,700) to homeowners in immediate need.
Western Australia Bushfire Destroys Most Homes in Half Century - Bloomberg.com
Western Australia Bushfire Destroys Most Homes in Half Century
Towering bush fires destroyed nearly 40 homes as they swept through farmland in Western Australia's wheat belt.
By Angus Whitley
Dec. 31 (Bloomberg) -- Fires in Western Australia destroyed 38 homes in the biggest loss of property to a bushfire in the state in half a century, authorities said.
Residents in the Toodyay region, northeast of Perth, may be allowed to return to some burnt-out areas by noon local time today, the state’s Fire and Emergency Services Authority said in an e-mailed statement.
Power lines and livestock were also lost to the blaze, declared a natural disaster by state authorities. The Australian bushfire season runs from November to April, when hot and dry conditions allow flames to ignite and sweep through land. Fires in the state of Victoria in February killed 173 people in a disaster known as “Black Saturday.”
“At this stage it is still not safe for people to return home,” the authority said in the statement. “The bushfire has now been contained but is not under control.”
Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett said yesterday there had been no deaths from the fire, which has consumed more than 2,900 hectares (7,166 acres) of land. One resident suffered burns, and three firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation and heat stroke, the authority said.
The state government is offering as much as A$3,000 ($2,700) to homeowners in immediate need.
Western Australia Bushfire Destroys Most Homes in Half Century - Bloomberg.com
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