Australia's bushfires continue to spread

A huge bushfire in Australia's Victoria state has already destroyed 11,000 hectares. More than 2,000 people have fled. Strong winds make it difficult to extinguish the fire.

Wildfires continue to spread in Australia's Victoria state. A rural area not far from the city of Ballarat, northwest of Melbourne, has been affected.

More than 2,000 people have fled. At least one home was destroyed, but officials expect more extensive damage. Already 11,000 hectares of land has been destroyed by fire.

About 1,000 firefighters, hundreds of fire engines and four large tankers are battling the blaze. The cause of the bush fire is unclear. High temperatures and strong winds pushed the fire forward Thursday.

The temperature has now dropped, but the wind has not abated, and firefighters are expecting a tough battle to put out the blaze. People who cannot leave have been asked to take shelter in their homes.