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Bushfire death toll continues to rise

Victoria Police can now confirm that 108 people have died as a result of bushfires across the state.

For updates on fires in your area, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au or telephone the Victoria Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

The Red Cross National Registry and Inquiry Service is taking calls about missing persons and registering people who are safe. The number is 1800 727 077.

A Red Cross State Government Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund has been established and donations can be made as follows:

* Visit www.redcross.org.au
* Phone 1800 811 700
* Visit any NAB, ANZ, Westpac or Commonwealth Bank branch
* Visit any Bunnings store
* Direct deposit to the Victorian Bushfire Relief Fund – BSB 082-001, Account number 860-046-797.

Donations can also be made to the Myer Bushfire Appeal by visiting any Victorian Myer store. All proceeds will be donated to the Salvation Army.

Police have requested that people not bring items to relief centres, but are requested to pass them on to other relief agencies which can help distribute the items in due course.

Emergency services would like to thank the hundreds of people who have contacted them with offers of assistance for bushfire survivors.

However, all resources are currently committed to fighting and containing the remaining fires and it is requested that people refrain from calling 000 or other emergency information lines with donation offers.