Australian police fear deaths in Tasmania wildfires
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The debris of houses destroyed by a bushfire is seen in Dunalley, about 40 kilometres east of Hobart, on Jan 5, 2013. Over 100 homes have been destroyed in Australia's island state of Tasmania, with police saying that thousands of residents have been displaced by dozens of bush fires, driven by record high temperatures last week across the country. PHOTO: REUTERS
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Houses destroyed by a bushfire are seen in ruins in Dunalley, about 40 kilometres east of Hobart, on Jan 5, 2013. Over 100 homes have been destroyed in Australia's island state of Tasmania, with police saying that thousands of residents have been displaced by dozens of bush fires, driven by record high temperatures last week across the country. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
The debris of houses destroyed by a bushfire is seen in Dunalley, about 40 kilometres east of Hobart, on Jan 5, 2013. Over 100 homes have been destroyed in Australia's island state of Tasmania, with police saying that thousands of residents have been displaced by dozens of bush fires, driven by record high temperatures last week across the country. PHOTO: REUTERS
Houses destroyed by a bushfire are seen in ruins in Dunalley, about 40 kilometres east of Hobart, on Jan 5, 2013. Over 100 homes have been destroyed in Australia's island state of Tasmania, with police saying that thousands of residents have been displaced by dozens of bush fires, driven by record high temperatures last week across the country. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
SYDNEY (AFP) - Several people were missing feared dead on Sunday after wildfires swept through the Australian island of Tasmania, destroying more than 100 homes and forcing thousands to flee.
Acting Tasmania police commissioner Scott Tilyard said officers were investigating several missing persons reports after fires ravaged southern Tasmania state, razing scores of homes.
"I am fearful that someone may have died in this fire... it is a very distinct possibility still and I think people need to brace themselves that that may occur," Mr Tilyard told reporters, saying there were grave fears in a "handful" of cases.
"Whilst we have had no known deaths associated with these fires at this particular point in time, I want to make it quite clear that it is still far too early to confirm that that is not the case," he added.
