Two die in Australian forest fires

MELBOURNE - Forest fires ravaged the outer suburbs of Australia's second biggest city, killing two people and destroying over…

MELBOURNE - Forest fires ravaged the outer suburbs of Australia's second biggest city, killing two people and destroying over 40 homes on the outskirts of Melbourne, police said today. Firefighters brought the outbreaks under control.

The fires were among about 10 major, scattered outbreaks in tinder-dry forest this week, forcing the evacuation of at least 800 people from their homes east, west and south of the city.

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