Bushfires, outbreaks at illegal waste disposal sites among top contributors to phenomenon, says Fire Dept

Authorities warn it could take weeks to fully contain the blaze

PM Albanese hails work of emergency personnel during high-risk summer season

SYDNEY, Feb 28 — Tens of thousands of residents in Australia's southeast were told to evacuate today due to an intense heatwave which authorities said could further spread a massive bushfire in Victoria state, which faces its worst conditions in four years.

SYDNEY, Oct 25 — Out-of-control bushfires have destroyed five houses and burned out 8,000 hectares of land in the eastern Australian state of Queensland, while the remains of a person were found in the state's southeast, German news agency (dpa) reported.