click"The state of Victoria in southern Australia has recently been hit with hundreds of bush fires during a record-breaking heatwave -- temperatures well above 38°C (100°F). Unfortunately, these fires have proved to be the deadliest in Australian history, with at least 166 deaths reported so far. The fires mostly appear to have been started by lightning -- however a few appear to have been arson, and are under investigation -- entire towns being declared crime scenes. Twenty-four fires are still burning, and authorities warn that the death toll will likely rise."