Wild fires claim over 170 lives in Australia

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wildfire destroyed towns

Police have sealed off at least two towns, where dozens of deaths occurred, setting up roadside checkpoints and controlling access to the area.

Anyone found guilty of lighting a wildfire that causes death faces 25 years in prison in Victoria.

At least 750 homes have been destroyed in the fires that in some cases razed small towns.

Officials say both the tolls of human life and property would almost certainly rise.

More than a dozen fires have yet to be contained while gusting winds threaten to fan them toward towns not previously hit.

Meanwhile, forecasters say temperatures may rise again later in the week.