Spectacular set of photographs at the Big Picture Blog (Boston Globe). A very sad caption:
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.
Ugly face of humanity showing up, even at this time of disaster.
This is what will happen if you build houses of wood. Notice the only non-wood structure above was the fireplace/chimney.