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New Zealand steps up help in battle against Australian fires

Xinhua, January 11, 2016 Adjust font size:

New Zealand fire authorities almost doubled the deployment of firefighters on Monday to help combat fires burning in the Australian state of Victoria.

Twenty-two New Zealand firefighters flew to Australia, joining 23 colleagues who left on Jan. 2, as fires spread through bush near the coastal town of Lorne, 150 km southwest of Melbourne, the state capital.

National Rural Fire Officer Kevin O'Connor said crews already there were making good progress building containment lines around the fires, which were still burning on a 40-km front around Victoria's southwest coast.

The fire danger in the area remained very high, O'Connor said.

Both deployments were scheduled to last three weeks, with a possible extension depending on conditions.

Lightning strikes late last month started the fires, which are still burning in dense forest.

The fires have destroyed about 2,500 hectares and dozens of homes. Endit