Australian PM proposes high-powered inquiry into bushfires response

A RFS heavy plant contractor rests at the RFS station, as bushfires continue, in Shannons Flat, Australia January 11, 2020. REUTERS/Tracey Nearmy

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - After weeks of criticism over the handling of the bushfires scorching Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Sunday he will propose a national review into the response to the disaster, as the fires claimed another firefighter's life.

The Australian bush has been burning for nearly three months and the fires have killed 28 people, claimed 2,000 homes and consumed millions of acres of land and wildlife. The crisis is becoming increasingly political as the country looks at the causes and the government's response.