Reinforcements called as ‘dynamic’ fire threatens homes
Almost 300 firefighters are battling a blaze that is threatening to break containment lines after reinforcement arrived from interstate.
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Two sisters die from injuries days after house fire
Two children have died days after suffering critical injuries in a devastating house fire in the country's north.
Towns deserted as locals seek relief from roasting heat
As parts of Australia bake under a relentless heatwave, locals have backup plans to keep cool as temperatures nudge record levels.
Bushfire season takes toll with hundreds of homes lost
Out-of-control bushfires continue to ravage one Australian state, as authorities warn the peak fire danger period still has months to run.
Cooling greenery overlooked lever to blunt heatwaves
Australia's southern states are facing unprecedented heat that researchers say could be tempered with a focus on revegetation and urban greening.
Killer locked up for life over murder of wife in fire
An abusive man who set fire to his wife and stepchild has been jailed for life with 32 years to serve before he will become eligible for parole.
Death toll of Swiss New Year bar blaze rises to 41
An 18-year-old who was injured in the fire that tore through a Swiss bar one month ago has died, authorities say.
Wrecked cars choppered out of surf as fire threat grows
More than a dozen vehicles have been choppered out of the surf following flash floods as bushfires place state emergency services under further strain.
High alert as cyclone, heatwaves, fires loom large
Extreme weather is threatening to derail the long weekend, already disrupting holiday plans and major sports events.
Outcry as Swiss bar owner released on bail after fire
Italy's prime minister has called the decision to release a Swiss bar owner charged over a deadly fire an "insult" to the victims' families.
Bushfires rage as heatwave grips Australia’s southeast
Smoke has blanketed a major city after a bushfire drew within striking distance of a rural town during a widespread heatwave.
Residents told to leave before sunset as heatwave looms
Emergency crews have begun door knocking to urge more than 1000 residents to leave their homes as firefighters battle a large blaze and a severe heatwave looms.
Aussie towns among world’s hottest in ‘unheard of’ heat
Multiple temperature records have been broken in sweltering conditions across several states, with some Australian towns recording their hottest day ever.
Fiery plane crash kills two men, sparks airfield blaze
A bushfire continues to burn after a light plane crashed on take-off and burst into flames near a regional airfield, killing both men on board.
Mum who skipped court bailed again over child homicides
A mother accused of child homicide over the deaths of two young girls has walked free on bail a second time despite a warrant being issued over skipping court.
‘Changed forever’: disaster zones face long recovery
With hundreds of structures destroyed and livestock lost in fires and floods, large parts of rural Australia will never be the same amid ongoing disasters.
Bushfire losses mount as premier defends fleeing mob
Volunteer firefighters are "blaming themselves" for being unable to lessen the devastation wrought by an ongoing bushfire crisis, a fire chief says.
Bushfires spark inquiry call as funding debate rages
Underfunding has been blamed for the scale of losses from ferocious bushfires but state authorities insist conditions made containment impossible.
Emergency crews battle fire and flood across one state
Little relief is expected from rain at key firegounds in one state, where communities are also assessing the damage after a record deluge burst river banks.
Community supports imam after house damaged by fire
A distressed imam and his family will rebuild their lives after their family home was damaged in a fire deemed by police to be non-suspicious.
Chile declares state of catastrophe after deadly fires
Sixteen people have died and tens of thousands have fled as wildfires devastate southern Chile.
More saved than lost after firefighters battle blaze
Firefighters have been lauded after they helped wrangle a bushfire that tore through hundreds of hectares and destroyed three structures.
No safety checks at site of Swiss bar fire since 2019
Fire safety inspections hadn't been carried out for several years at the Swiss bar where a fire that broke out at a New Year's party left 40 people dead.
Bushfire peril as heatwave advances across the nation
Bushfires have ignited on the first day of some of the worst heatwave conditions since Black Summer and authorities warn more is to come.
Bushfire menace mounts as thousands brace for disaster
Residents are being urged to flee their homes ahead of a catastrophic fire day expected to bring "unsurvivable" conditions not seen in six years.
Damaging winds warning as cold front brings heat relief
A gusty southerly change is bringing the first relief to heatwave-affected areas, but communities are warned about the threat of damaging winds and lightning.
Three people missing, homes razed as more fires ignite
Catastrophic bushfire conditions are worsening with fears damaging winds and lightning strikes will add to the dozens of destructive blazes raging in one state.
Hellish bushfire crisis claims homes and livelihoods
Dozens of properties have been destroyed at multiple fire scenes as fire-fighters described confronting scenes of danger and destruction.
Extreme heat but no fire emergency yet beyond Victoria
As bushfires rage in Victoria, other parts of Australia's southeast are sweltering amid extreme heat ahead of an expected cooler change.
Swiss prosecutors order bar owner’s detention over fire
Swiss prosecutors have requested pre-trial detention for an owner of a ski resort bar where 40 people died in a fire, citing a risk that he could flee.
Tragedy as body found with fires burning out of control
A person has died as bushfires tear through a state, with authorities warning it is expected to take weeks to get them under control.