Victoria bush fires latest: 173 dead
MELBOURNE – As the death toll continues to mount in the devastating bush fires in Victoria – 173 are now confirmed dead – 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 weekend’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,†he said.
“In 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.
“We are also examining ways in which we can do more over coming days and weeks.†Joyce said.
Ian Jarrett
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