VICTORIA is under siege as nine major fires burnt out of control, destroying homes and critically injuring at least one person. As Melbourne recorded its hottest day ever and strong winds fanned flames, the Country Fire Authority (CFA)reported at least 30 homes, a golf club and a fire truck were destroyed. One man is in critical condition after suffering burns to 50 per cent of his body when he tried to move stock in the Coleraine area in the state's west. "Our understanding is that he was in shorts and thongs trying to fight the fire. Probably not the best way to be dressed," Mr Haynes said. The man, aged in his 40s, was airlifted to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. Thousands of firefighters and residents battled major fronts at Horsham, Coleraine, Weerite, Kilmore East, Bunyip, Churchill, Dargo, Murrindindi and Redesdale in all corners of the scorched state as the searing heat and high winds exceeded authorities' predictions of the worst fire conditions in the state's history. http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,25022619-421,00.html
-- Posted By Breaking News to Break News at 2/07/2009 12:40:00 PM
