"Mega-Fire" Down Under?

19 Marcheshvan 5774

Colossal 'mega-fire' could form if three wildfires merge, Australia officials warn

Australian officials warned on Monday that three large wildfires burning in southeastern Australia could merge into one colossal "mega-fire" and threaten the suburbs of Sydney.

...One firefighter said that if the three fires did merge, the resulting blaze would be a "major catastrophe," and far more difficult to control than the current situation.

The fires have so far destroyed more than 200 homes and killed one person. Fire officials are considering mandatory evacuations in some 25 townships.

The fires have also created dramatic scenes in the skies over Sydney, with some of Australia's most famous landmarks framed by black smoke and a red glow from the horizon.

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