Fires in Australia

More than 80 brushfires burned throughout New South Wales, Australia, in February, charring tens of thousands of acres. More than 2,500 firefighters fought to control the fires, which were declared contained by Feb. 18. Two firefighters were injured. In one small town, Uarbry, nine of the 12 buildings in town were destroyed. 

The cause of the fires was believed to be a combination of dry, hot weather conditions and lightning. It was an unusually high number of fires to have occurred during Australia’s summer season.