Australia fire survivors return home

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-12-2009 10:57

Residents of towns hit by the worst wildfires in Australian history have returned to find twisted metal and blackened debris where their homes once stood.

Two people sift through the burnt-out ruins of the Kerami Gardens Resort in Marysville after bushfires destroyed  the town.(AFP/William West)

The official death toll remained at 181 on Wednesday, though officials say they expect it to top 200.

The Victorian town of Kinglake is one of the worst affected by the fires, with at least 39 people losing their lives.

Returning residents sought to comfort each other, as firefighters and arson experts continue to search through the rubble.

Victorian police say an investigation by arson specialists has turned up signs of at least one case of foul play and they are seeking a suspect.

Some towns have been sealed off as the grim task of collecting bodies from collapsed buildings slowly continues. Police also want to ensure residents don't disturb potential crime scenes.

While there is free access to many areas in the fire zone, tensions rose as residents demanded to return to check on their homes, pets and whatever was left behind.

Police granted some restricted access on Wednesday, and urged people to be patient.

But smouldering embers still pose a constant threat of flare-ups.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei