Wildfires

Wildfires - Australia

Devastated residents are being allowed back into Carwoola after a mammoth bushfire destroyed up to 15 homes and numerous other properties. The fast-moving fire swept through the town of Carwoola, near the ACT, as firefighters fought desperately to contain the flames late yesterday. wo firefighters were injured fighting the severe blaze east of Queanbeyan.

Some residents did not know whether they would return to find their house still standing after reports that more than 15 homes had been lost. High winds and 34C heat fanned the flames that hit homes around lunchtime and had burned more than 2700ha by last night.

Wildfires - Florida, USA

A wildfire burning in southeastern Polk County has now consumed 5,500 acres as it continues to smoulder, but was 75 percent contained late Friday night, county officials say.

High winds initially fanned the flames Wednesday, allowing the fire to rapidly spread and force evacuations in the Indian Lake Estates area. County officials say they've found another home destroyed by fire there, bringing the total number to 12.