February 17, 2009 Tuesday
Updated
Feb 17, 2009
Australian Wildfires
Death toll reaches 200
More than 1,800 homes were destroyed in the fires, which scorched more than 3,900 square kilometers of farms, forests and towns. -- PHOTO: AFP
MELBOURNE - POLICE say the confirmed death toll from Australia's deadly wildfires has reached 200 and will rise further.

The grim milestone was passed on Tuesday after investigators confirmed 11 more people had died in one of more than 400 fires that raged across southern Victoria state on Feb 7.

More than 1,800 homes were destroyed in the fires, which scorched more than 3,900 square kilometers of farms, forests and towns.

Victoria police said in a statement the new deaths were from a fire that razed the town of Kinglake and surrounding areas.

Police spokesman Marty Beveridge said the death count would go higher as more remains are identified. -- AP

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