A state of emergency is declared as bushfires ravage parts of New South Wales, with hundreds of Australians left homeless by the blaze. Video footage shows firefighters trying to contain the blaze.
Australian firefighters continued to battle some of the worst fires in over a decade with 300 homes reported to have been destroyed in the Blue Mountains region, west of Sydney.
Thousands spent the night in evacuation centres and an elderly man is reported to have died of a heart attack while trying to protect his home on Thursday.
Five people, including three firefighters have been treated to burns and smoke inhalation.
The fires have arrived earlier than the usual fire season which usually peaks in December but a dry winter and hot spring weather have created optimal conditions. Strong winds and soaring temperatures helped to spread the blaze further leaving 1,500 firefighters struggling to control the situation.
An uncontained fire in Wyong, north of Sydney, is seen as the biggest threat but milder conditions since Thursday helped to reduce the number of fires threatening towns around Sydney from more than 100 to 61.
Fifteen of these fires are out of control, including the blaze near Lithgow, west of Sydney, which was given the highest danger ranking.
Authorities have advised nearby communities to consider evacuating ahead of worsening weather conditions.
In the town of Clarence, there has been an allegation of looting, local media reported.
Residents Rob and Suzanne Harcourt claim they returned to their home to find that thieves had ransacked it.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott visited Winmalee and praised the emergency services;”I just want to say how sorry we are on behalf of the people and the parliament of Australia for the heartache which so many hundreds of people in New South Wales”
“How proud we are of the thousands of volunteers and full-time professionals who are out there keeping our communities safe on a difficult day.”