Scores die in Australian fire

Feb. 8 - The death toll in a massive Australian bushfire rose to over 80 Sunday, making it the deadliest bushfire in Australian history.

The fire storm tore through several towns north of Melbourne on Saturday night, killing people in their cars as they tried to flee or as they huddled in their homes.

Police expect the death toll to rise further as they search the ruins of hundreds of homes and businesses. Visiting the burnt out region, Australia's prime minister, Kevin Rudd, called the disaster "an appalling tragedy."

Wildfires are a natural annual event in Australia, but this year a combination of scorching weather, drought and tinder-dry bush has created prime conditions for blazes to take hold.

Helen Long reports.