Firefighters battle flames in Australia, where massive wildfires continue to burn.<br/> <br />Hundreds of people have been forced from their homes in the southeast, as fires rage in five of Australia's six states.<br/> <br />They're being fuelled by powerful winds and a searing heatwave that's seen temperatures soar to more than 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit).<br/> <br />On Tuesday (January 8), Prime Minister Julia Gillard warned residents to prepare.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD SAYING (English):<br/> <br />"It is very important that people keep themselves safe. That they listen to local authorities and local warnings. This is a very dangerous day."<br/> <br />Firefighters hope conditions may ease in some areas as cooler weather sweeps up the east coast.<br/> <br />But respite may only last a few days, before the heatwave returns.<br/> <br />Next Monday (January 13) in central Australia, officials are forecasting temperatures of 54 degrees (129 Fahrenheit).
