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Entries in Victoria (1)

Thursday
Feb122009

Victoria Police Hunt For Suspect Wanted In Connection To Australian Wildfires

Composite photo released on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009 by the Victoria State Police

Police are hunting for multiple arson suspects that have allegedly set wildfires in Victoria Australia, and have released the composite photo above of one of the possible suspects.

Though it is being reported that the fires are currently no longer a threat to residents, the current death toll is around 181 people and is expected to rise. Many of those who were killed, died while trying to escape in their cars.

Australia has had a history of wildfires, though these are the worst on record. In addition to the deaths, about 5,000 people have been left homeless.

Australians have raised almost A$34m ($22m) to help ravaged communities, this is on top of A$15m Mr Rudd pledged.