Two wildfires have merged to form a massive inferno in southeastern Australia and a man suffered serious burns protecting a home, in a night of treacherous conditions during the nation’s unprecedented fire crisis.
Authorities were assessing the damage Saturday after firefighters battled flames fanned by strong winds and lightning strikes sparked new blazes in the states of New South Wales and Victoria.
Conditions are milder and forecast to remain relatively benign for the next week.
Officials say a man suffered burns protecting a home and was airlifted to a Sydney hospital in serious condition. Several firefighters received minor burns, and one suffered shortness of breath, but they didn't go to a hospital.
(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
