Entire villages razed to the ground

TOWNS have been declared crime scenes, and the death toll in Victoria's bushfires could top 200 as the grisly search more (Sydney Morning Herald — 29 June, 2009)

• Grim news for families (Sydney Morning Herald)

Grief on our minds, strength in our hearts

Our national character will emerge stronger from this disaster, writes Tony Stephens. more (Sydney Morning Herald — 29 June, 2009)

United in grief

'They are the sort of people who might have even died in each other's arms - as silly as it sounds. When they looked at each other, there was light in their eyes. They were very much in love.' more (Sydney Morning Herald — 29 June, 2009)

• Those who lit fires are mass murderers, says Rudd (Sydney Morning Herald)

Rethink on 'stay and fight' strategy

THE escalating toll from the devastating bushfires has forced a review of the policy of allowing people to defend their own homes, but the country's peak body of fire and emergency authorities appealed for no changes to be made 'on the run'. more (Sydney Morning Herald — 29 June, 2009)

The only road to safety was cut in both directions

JUST what happened when the fires hit Flowerdale on the weekend remains a mystery. But it must have been horrific. more (Sydney Morning Herald — 29 June, 2009)

Volunteers powerless in face of racing inferno

THEY barely stood a chance. The fire that swallowed Strathewen, a community of 200 people on Melbourne's northern fringe, came with such ferocity and menace and at such blistering pace that it overwhelmed the bushland paradise within moments. more (Sydney Morning Herald — 29 June, 2009)

Burns 'far worse than Bali bombings'

DOCTORS fear for the lives of a number of patients with burn injuries and smoke inhalation. more (Sydney Morning Herald — 29 June, 2009)

Crumpled remains of hamlets ripped apart

A SMALL plastic children's slide. Other play equipment. more (Sydney Morning Herald — 29 June, 2009)

Blood bank overwhelmed by donors

THEY arrived early and often at the Red Cross blood bank in Southbank, Melbourne, yesterday. Armed with books, newspapers and knitting, they waited, knowing their inconvenience was nothing in the scheme of things. more (Sydney Morning Herald — 29 June, 2009)

Appeal for help as morgue overflows

VICTORIA'S coroner has established a temporary mortuary and called on hospitals, universities and funeral homes to assist following the deadly bushfires and heatwave. more (Sydney Morning Herald — 29 June, 2009)