Storms bring relief and danger to Australian wildfires

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) – Thunderstorms and showers have brought some relief for firefighters battling deadly wildfires across Australia’s drought-parched east coast.

But the storms have also raised concerns that more fires will be sparked by lightning strikes when hot and windy conditions return.

Fire officials say 2,300 firefighters in New South Wales state are making the most of relatively benign conditions by frantically consolidating containment lines around more than 110 fires blazes and patrolling for lightning strikes.

The unprecedented fire crisis that has killed 25 people, destroyed 2,000 homes and shrouded major cities in smoke has also focused many Australians on how the nation adapts to climate change.