10 February 2009

Victoria bush fires latest: 173 dead

MELBOURNE ââ¬' As the death toll continues to mount in the devastating bush fires in Victoria ââ¬' 173 are now confirmed dead ââ¬' a fire in the wine producing area of the Yarra Valley was causing concern today..

Organisers of this year's annual Grape Grazing Festival have cancelled the event, scheduled for this weekend, due to the "continuing fire situation in the Yarra Valley".

More than 750 homes have so far estimated to have been destroyed from the main fire in Victoria.

Meanwhile, Qantas has donated A$100,000 to the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund to support individuals and communities affected by the weekendââ¬â¢s bushfires.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, said the scale of the tragedy was difficult to fathom.

"So many people have been affected by these catastrophic bushfires in so many ways,ââ¬~ he said.

ââ¬ÅâœIn addition to a A$100,000 donation, people visiting qantas.com and jetstar.com will be able to link directly to the appeal and make a donation.

ââ¬ÅâœWe are also examining ways in which we can do more over coming days and weeks.ââ¬~ Joyce said.

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