The fires are many and SOME have been started by arsonists. They have just arrested two guys, however, there are more to catch.. 21 fires are still burning and our NZ fire service has just sent 95 firemen to help the Aussies. The heat over there has been intense for a long period and everything was tinder dry. One lightening strike can, does, and has started huge fires. When arsonists are involved - well some have re-lit fires which have been put out!! It is unbelievable! These people should be put in a car and a fire lit around them and make them wait till the last minute before the fire is extinguished. I'm in favour of bringing back the stocks and the whip for these people. Those proven guilty will get life sentences. The pictures we see here make me cry and reading about one man who lay in the muddy edge of a pond, who heard the animals screaming as they were burnt alive made me cry also --as I have done for the many people who were trapped. Some terrible stories. One can't imagine the agony of these people. "Mass murder" is what the Aussie premier calls it - he need to deal harshly with such firebugs. We here in NZ are being drenched with heavy summer rain for the second time in a week. How cruel - it makes one feel guilty to watch the rain and know how much it would mean in Victoria. Regards from NZ Lorna