Australian brushfires rage

SYDNEY, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Fires raged across parts of Australia Tuesday as firefighters attempted to build control lines before hot, dry weather Thursday makes matters worse.

The Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported the Grampians fire in Victoria had blackened more than 222,000 acres and was threatening private property. So far, 13 houses have been destroyed.

Rachael May of the Department of Sustainability and Environment said it is unlikely the fire will be under control any time soon, especially with more hot, dry weather predicted by Thursday.

Fires also are burning in western Australia.

The government is providing emergency funds to farmers to help them move livestock out of harm's way.