Fed: One feared dead in ACT fires, up to 100 homes destroyed

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Fed: One feared dead in ACT fires, up to 100 homes destroyed

By Rob Taylor, Shane Wright and Jonathan Moran

CANBERRA, Jan 18 AAP - Canberra was engulfed by a firestorm which destroyed up to 100homes as searing temperatures and gusting winds drove a wall of flame into the city'ssuburbs today.

Authorities declared a state of emergency as wildfires burning in mountains to thecity's north, west and south leapt containment lines and ash-laden winds carried the infernointo the heart of the city.

Hard-pressed fire crews battled to save homes in suburbs flanking bushland, while policefear at least one person may have been killed.

As many …