Vic: Backburning continues as heat looms on Monday
19 Feb 2009 5:13 AM
Firefighters in Victoria are working to consolidate control lines around five major fires still burning out of control .. ahead of hit and windy conditions on Monday.
The death toll from the devastating fires stands at 201.
Early fears the toll could top 300 have been scotched by police .. who say it's now not expected to climb much higher.
The Department of Sustainability and Environment says mild weather conditions are a great help to weary fire crews .. desperate to halt the fires still raging.
The largest fire comprises the two sectors of the East Kilmore-Murrindindi Complex .. which together have burned about 230-thousand hectares in the central highlands.
