Australia experienced record-breaking brushfires in February 2009. Driven by drought, dry brush and a record heat wave, the fires have burned through hundreds of thousands of acres of the state of Victoria, killing many in their path. While the official death toll stood at 181, reports said that number could eventually climb to more than 200.The New York Times: Australia Fire Toll Could Exceed 200 (February 10, 2009)

In May 2009, fire experts announced that the record-breaking Australian brushfires of February 2009 generated energy equivalent to 1,500 Hiroshima atomic bombs and even created their own weather systems. More than 2,000 homes were lost in the record-breaking brushfires.AFP: Australian wildfires like 1,500 Hiroshimas: expert (May 21, 2009)

Investigators believe some of the 2009 fires resulted from the work of arsonists, leading Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to declare that anyone who deliberately set the blazes was guilty of "mass murder."CNN: Australian PM: Wildfire arson is mass murder (February 9, 2009) On February 11, 2009, reports said at least 20 new fires believed to be set by arsonists were burning in the region. Australian premier John Brumby said "There seems little doubt these were deliberately lit—a number of them last night."CNN: Arsonists start new bushfires in Australia |(February 11, 2009)

After concerns that some of the fires may have been the work of arsonists, investigators began exploring that possibility. On February 13, 2009, authorities arrested a man who they feel is responsible for starting the Churchill fire. That particular blaze was started on February 7th. The un-named man has been charged with arson causing death, intentionally or recklessly lighting a bush fire, and possessing child pornography.CNN: Man charged with arson in Australia wildfires (February 13, 2009)

Bushfires are a regular occurrence in Australia because of the climate. During the 40 year period between 1961 and 2001, brushfires caused $2.5 billion in damages. In the same time period, brushfires were responsible for the destruction of 4,554 homes and the deaths of 250 people.Geoscience Australia: What is a bushfire? In 1983, the so-called "Ash Wednesday" wildfires claimed the lives of 75 people.CNN: Australian PM: Wildfire arson is mass murder (February 9, 2009)

On Monday, February 23, 2009, many southern Australians fled their homes after rising temperatures and gusts of wind caused at least two of the dwindling bushfires to flare-up. Authorities suggested residents make quick decisions on whether or not to stay in the area, giving them fair warning that staying meant they should be prepared to fight fires if necessary. County fire officials believe the real threat remainis north and northeast of the state capital of Melbourne.FOXNews.com: Scores of Australians Flee New Wildfire Flare-Ups (February 23, 2009)

"Hell and all its fury has visited the good people of Victoria in the last 24 hours." - Australian Prime Minister Kevin RuddCNN.com: Scores killed in Australia's 'worst fires' (February 8, 2009)

"I've heard of sad stories of flames going over cars and maybe one person surviving. I suspect today they will find lots of cars with people who haven't survived." - Dr. John Coleridge of Victoria's Alfred HospitalCNN.com: Scores killed in Australia's 'worst fires' (February 8, 2009)

"This is worse than Ash Wednesday. No one really knew how bad these fires were going to be. I feel very lucky and also guilty that I have escaped so lightly when others haven't." - Susan Smart, Dandenongs, Victoria, survivorBBC News: Relief and anguish from survivors (February 8, 2009)

"Everyone is really concerned about the wildlife. Volunteers are helping to rescue the koalas and take them to local shelters. Other animals have hopefully been able to escape the flames." - Kerrin O'Rourke, Seymour, VictoriaBBC News: Relief and anguish from survivors (February 8, 2009)