Jay Weatherill

Fourteen bushfires burning across southern Australia have killed two people, thousands of animals, and destroyed 16 homes, and authorities today said they feared the toll could rise.

More than 30 homes are feared destroyed as firefighters battle an out-of-control bushfire in the state of South Australia, with officials warning on Sunday that lives are in danger even as weather conditions improve.

South Australia Premier Jay Weatherill said the state would seek the repayment of several million dollars in appearance fees paid to Armstrong for competing in the Tour Down Under cycle race in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Fourteen bushfires burning across southern Australia have killed two people, thousands of animals, and destroyed 16 homes, and authorities today said they feared the toll could rise.

More than 30 homes are feared destroyed as firefighters battle an out-of-control bushfire in the state of South Australia, with officials warning on Sunday that lives are in danger even as weather conditions improve.

South Australia Premier Jay Weatherill said the state would seek the repayment of several million dollars in appearance fees paid to Armstrong for competing in the Tour Down Under cycle race in 2009, 2010 and 2011.