Towns in the Australian state of Victoria are braced for a weekend of fighting wildfires, as hot weather and gusting winds fan their flames.
Towns in the Australian state of Victoria are braced for a weekend of fighting wildfires, as hot weather and gusting winds fan their flames.
At least six towns north-east of Melbourne were under threat, with some at risk of being cut off for days.
At least six towns north-east of Melbourne were under threat, with some at risk of being cut off for days.
Two thousand fire fighters are in the area after more than 140,000 hectares (346,000 acres) of bush was destroyed.
Two thousand fire fighters are in the area after more than 140,000 hectares (346,000 acres) of bush was destroyed.
Fire officials warned residents to decide now whether to evacuate or stay to defend their homes.
Fire officials warned residents to decide now whether to evacuate or stay to defend their homes.
"If you are not able to look after yourself, leave early. Do not leave late," a local fire officer, Russell Rees, told reporters in Melbourne.
"If you are not able to look after yourself, leave early. Do not leave late," a local fire officer, Russell Rees, told reporters in Melbourne.
"The evidence is very clear and plain - late evacuation is deadly," he said.
"The evidence is very clear and plain - late evacuation is deadly," he said.
The main area of concern is about 200km (120miles) north east of Melbourne. Authorities said the communities at risk included Kevington, Mount Buller and Cheshunt.
The main area of concern is about 200km (120miles) north east of Melbourne. Authorities said the communities at risk included Kevington, Mount Buller and Cheshunt.
Mansfield and Wangaratta were at risk of being cut off by the fires, officials said.
Mansfield and Wangaratta were at risk of being cut off by the fires, officials said.
Bush fires are an annual problem in Australia, as hot weather, low humidity and strong winds combine to create tinderbox conditions.
Bush fires are an annual problem in Australia, as hot weather, low humidity and strong winds combine to create tinderbox conditions.
Prime Minister John Howard told Southern Cross Broadcasting radio: "It's very, very scary stuff and the terrible combination of circumstances - high temperature, low humidity, all of those things - are very bad indeed".
Prime Minister John Howard told Southern Cross Broadcasting radio: "It's very, very scary stuff and the terrible combination of circumstances - high temperature, low humidity, all of those things - are very bad indeed".
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