Canberra fire response 'too slow'

An inquiry into Australian bushfires that killed four people, and destroyed more than 500 homes, says fire crews were too slow in responding to the emergency.

Firefighters were initially praised for their efforts in tackling one of Australia's worst natural disasters, when strong winds, high temperatures and dry conditions led to a blaze that hit the capital, Canberra, in January.

But the inquiry has now criticised Canberra's emergency services, saying they reacted too slowly to the initial outbreaks of fire, and government officials, for leaving the public uninformed until too late.

Correspondents say the findings are likely to trigger legal action over the damage, estimated at some $200m.