SYDNEY, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Uncontrolled fires burned through bushland in Australia's Victorian state on Thursday, forcing communities to evacuate and authorities to warn of a "catastrophic" fire danger rating for Friday.
Amid temperatures forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of the state, two bushfires of more than 3,000 hectares in size were raging near the towns of Longwood and Walwa. They have destroyed at least two structures and are expected to continue to spread on Friday as heat and wind pick up.
