Australia’s bush fire worsens

Scores of fires are burning out of control across Australia amid a heatwave which has seen temperatures exceed 40c in every state.

On Monday, the most dangerous fires were in the state of Victoria.

About 30,000 residents and tourists were urged to flee east Gippsland, a popular holiday region but evacuations were later deemed too risky as fires encroached on major roads.

Nine people have died in the nation’s bushfire crisis since September.

Victoria was worst-affected on Monday, as scorching temperatures, strong winds, and thunderstorms created dangerous conditions.

Emergency fire warnings were also issued for South Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania on Monday.