Hundreds have been forced to flee their homes as bushfires ravaged parts of Queensland and New South Wales.
At least eight of the fires are suspicious and will be investigated, Queensland Police Commissioner Katrina Carroll told reporters.
Officials said that low humidity, high winds and dried out vegetation have fuelled 85 fires that have destroyed or damaged 84 houses across the Queensland.
In New South Wales, firefighters were battling about 55 fires and about five properties had been confirmed destroyed.
Strong quake hits Mexican coast near Guatemala, triggers tsunami threat
US completes 'major' wave of strikes on Iran, Gulf states under attack
Andy Burnham becomes UK Labour leader; next stop - prime minister
Kuwait says Iranian attack damages power generation, water desalination station
