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An Erickson Air-Crane loads up with water some 30 kilometres south of Mansfield as 30 degree (86 Fahrenheit) plus temperatures and wind gusts up to 100 kilometres (62 miles) per hour had raised the fire threat in a number of embattled communities, 22 December 2006. Australia's bushfire season, which has seen blazes erupt in four states, has so far claimed one man's life and destroyed more than 30 houses. Government and fire officials have said the Victorian fires could rage for weeks. AFP PHOTO/William WEST