Haze over Melbourne from bush fires

Haze over Melbourne from bush fires

11 December 2006

published by www.newstalkzb.co.nz

Australia — Firefighters across the Australian state ofVictoria face another tough day battling 14 major bush fires and several smallerblazes that are threatening several small towns.

Weather conditions are not helping. Melbourne endured itshottest December day in more than half a century yesterday, when the mercuryshot past 42 degrees.

Haze from the fires hangs in the air above the city. Asthmaticsand others with breathing difficulties have been warned to stay inside.

New Zealanders are among the 3,000 firefighters on duty.