Bushfire warnings have been issued in southern Australia due to a heat wave which has sent temperatures soaring to more than 40C.
Fire bans have been imposed and electricity supply is reported to have been cut to one area to prevent power lines igniting bushfires.
Soaring temperatures have affected several areas in South Australia and Victoria.
Severe fire warnings are in place for four districts in South Australia and one in Victoria.
Australian prime minister Julia Gillard urged residents to heed fire warnings.
“There are a lot of emergency workers who are on high alert today due to the extreme weather conditions in parts of Australia and the extreme heat,” she said.