Wildfires rage out of control amid Aussie heat wave

A large fire burns in Kiana, in South Australia's Lower Eyre Peninsula. Photo / AP

Dozens of wildfires are burning out of control in heat wave conditions across southern Australia, killing at least one resident.

Fire authorities say 68 fires are burning across Victoria state on Friday and another 16 are blazing across neighboring South Australia state.

Both states have endured several days of temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), with winds intensifying the fire risk as they gather pace on Friday.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay says one person has died at home at Roses Gap in the Grampians region, northwest of the state capital of Melbourne.

He says the death was "fire-related," but provided no other details.

Lay says 12 of the fires burning across Victoria, Australia's second most populous state, have been deliberately lit. Arson detectives are investigating.

-AP