Australia's wildfires kill more than 200, destroy hundreds of homes

OVER 400 fires raged across Australia's state Victoria on February 7, scorching more than 1.500 square miles of farms, forests and towns. More than 200 people were killed and over 1.800 homes were destroyed in the deadliest round of seasonal wildfires recorded in Australia's history.
Some died in their cars as they were trying to escape the blaze and others never made it out of their houses. Wildfires are common during the Australian summer, when high temperatures cause dry forest land tinder to smolder and blustering winds serve to fan the embers. Despite the wheather conditions, Australian's police suspected at least two of the fires were deliberately set and have charged one man with arson for causing death and provoking a wildfire.