The deadly toll from Australia's bushfires in the state of Victoria has continued to rise. Being called the largest natural disaster in Australia's history, eyewitnesses have likened the fires to the end of the world. Drought, a scorching heat wave, and arson are factors in the fires, which have affected 1,200 sq. miles. Full coverage at BBC News(1).

1. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/asia_pacific/2009/australia_fires/default.stm