In this Friday, Jan. 2, 2015 photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, heavy smoke billow in the Adelaide Hills, Australia. (Associated Press)
Officials say more than two dozen homes have been destroyed or badly damaged and almost 30 people have sought medical treatment as a result of a massive wildfire that has raged out of control for days across farms and woodland in southern Australia.
State Premier Jay Weatherill said on Monday that hundreds of fire fighters have taken advantage of milder conditions in recent days to attempt to contain the fire which has razed 12,500 hectares (31,000 acres) of countryside in hills northwest of the South Australia state capital Adelaide.
He says 29 people had been injured or hospitalized with conditions such a severe asthma since the fire started Friday.
Network Ten television news reports the only serious injury is a farmer who suffered suspected spinal injuries protecting his property.