INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Image copyrightQUEENSLAND AMBULANCE SERVICEImage caption
A 50km-long bushfire in Queensland is threatening homes
Hundreds of Australians have evacuated their homes due to bushfires amid "unprecedented" weather conditions in the state of
Queensland, officials say.About 40 bushfires are burning across the state following a heatwave, said Queensland Fire and Emergency
Services.The most serious blaze, 450km (280 miles) north of Brisbane, has destroyed at least two homes, damaged four others and prompted
evacuation orders.The conditions have been described as "highly unusual" for this time of year.The largest bushfire is about 50km long and
has burnt through approximately 11,000 hectares in the Deepwater National Park.It began on Saturday and is expected to remain a threat in
Most of the other bushfires are being contained, authorities said.Unlike in Australia's drier south, intense fire conditions are unusual
in Queensland in late November because it is the wet season.However strong winds, drier than average conditions and a recent heatwave had
led to fires across the state, QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said on Monday."In this part of the world we have not experienced these
conditions before," she said
"It is unprecedented."The region is forecast to experience further strong winds and hot temperatures this week.Bushfires also damaged
neighbouring New South Wales last week
Both states are currently in the grip of drought.No single factor is to blame for extreme weather but climate change is bringing more
frequent and severe events, experts say.
