Wildfires

Wildfires - Australia - Update

Nearly 90 homes have been destroyed or made uninhabitable by the deadly Pinery bushfire.

Police said this afternoon that 87 homes had been completely destroyed or significantly damaged, rendering them uninhabitable. Nearly 100 vehicles and more than 380 farm sheds were destroyed in the blaze, as were 89 pieces of farm machinery.

Earlier this afternoon the Country Fire Service announced the bushfire had officially become “contained”. The CFS warned, however, that there was still some active fire well within the control lines.

The blaze has killed two people and five more are in hospital in a critical condition as fears remain that the death toll will rise.

Roads are now open within the 82,600 hectare fire ground, but the CFS warns areas are still burning and flare-ups will continue to produce embers and smoke. Police have warned motorists to take care, because emergency crews are still working to remove fallen trees and power lines.