The southern region of Australia is going through a day of extreme heat. Australian authorities identified the Little Desert National Park as the point of the fire origin. It is an area with a great variety of rare flora and fauna, but generally a dry area, favorable for the spread of flames.
So far, it is estimated that 65,000 hectares of land have been razed. The rapid expansion of the fire has put the closest city of Dimboola on alert. The local government has urged the inhabitants to leave the area as an immediate necessity for survival.
According to the regional political leader, Jacinta Allan, no human losses have been reported so far. Hundreds of firefighters are on the ground tackling the flames in difficult conditions of extreme heat typical of the austral summer.
It is still too early to estimate the damage to infrastructures. The uncontrolled fire devoured at least one building.
jrr/jav/lam/msm