Firefighters in eastern Australia are battling bushfires which have already claimed the life of one woman. The fires have destroyed several homes as they burn bushland in northern New South Wales and across the border in southern Queensland.
One woman was killed in Queensland, after getting trapped in her burning home. Because of recent drought in the region, many have expressed fears that this fire season will be the worst in years.
Fire officials said at least eight houses were destroyed and other property damaged by the more than 40 blazes still out of control. Firefighters rushed to a mountain area in northern NSW after a fire forced the closure of a major highway. It is expected that strong winds, low humidity and high temperatures will exacerbate the situation today.
Police in Queensland say that they are looking for a serial arsonist suspected of starting several grassfires recently.
