Bush f ires wreak havoc in Australia

BUSH fires in Australia destroyed buildings and threatened lives yesterday as a heatwave in three states brought temperatures severe enough to melt the tarmac on a highway.

A fire raging out of control set several structures ablaze on the outskirts of Melbourne, Victoria.

Emergency warnings were issued there and in the nearby state of South Australia, where authorities advised residents of a rural area to seek shelter in buildings.

Total fire bans took effect from midnight as Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania experienced temperatures of over 40C.