Australian firefighter dies in blaze

An Australian firefighter has become the latest victim of the monthslong bushfire crisis, with authorities saying on Sunday that the 60-year-old man died fighting a blaze in the country’s south.

Chris Hardman, chief fire officer at Forest Fire Management Victoria, said a firefighter from Parks Victoria was “involved in an incident while working on a fire in the Omeo area resulting in a fatality.” It is believed he was struck by a tree.

The death raised the toll from Australia’s bushfires to at least 27, even as firefighters took advantage of cooler conditions to conduct backburning and strengthen containment lines.

Also on Sunday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his government would consider opening a commission of inquiry into the blazes, amid criticism of his handling of the crisis. “I think that is what would be necessary and I will be taking a proposal through Cabinet to that end,” he told public broadcaster ABC.