Aussie Arson Suspect Charged

Task Force begins investigation

(NEWSER) - More than 300 people may have died in the devastating bushfires that have torched 850 square miles of southeast Australia, reports the Sydney Morning Herald. While the official death toll stands at 173, an official warned that number would rise “steeply” as rescuers discover more bodies. Several people are missing. Some 24 fires are still burning throughout the state of Victoria, fueled by brisk winds and dry weather. More»

Australians beset by plague of insects try to make the best of it

(NEWSER) - When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When life gives you swarms of locusts, make pizza. One enterprising politician in the Australian state of Victoria, which is under siege by the aggressive insects, collected a garbage bag full to be used in place of pepperoni and meatballs. "You can't stop finding them when they get killed on your car, but it's another story when you get out on the oval and try to catch them," he tells ABC News . More»

Rescued animal was symbol of strength after devastating wildfires

(NEWSER) - The koala bear that became a symbol of hope after Australia's devastating wildfires earlier this year died before surgery today, the Melbourne Herald-Sun reports. Sam was saved by a firefighter who found her moving through the scorched landscape on badly burnt paws, and her image was broadcast around the world. "It’s tragic that Sam the koala is no longer with us," said PM Kevin Rudd. More»

He's accused of lighting a fire that killed 21 people

(NEWSER) - The first suspect to be charged in one of the Australian blazes that killed as many as 300 people has been identified as a 39-year-old volunteer firefighter, reports the Times of London. He's accused of igniting a fire that killed 21 people 100 miles east of Melbourne. The suspect's identity had not been released earlier due to fears for his safety. Officials suspect at least one other case of arson in the fires that seared through thousands of acres. More»

(AP) - Police in Australia said they have questioned two people in connection to the raging wildfires that have killed more than 180 people in the state of Victoria. Police declined to say whether the two had been arrested or even detained, and released a statement that described them as "assisting police with their inquiries." Detectives responding to a tip found the men near Yea, a town destroyed by an inferno Saturday that killed up to 100 people. More»