Sydney wildfires: Out of control blaze is among the worst in a decade
Emergency warnings have been issued and residents are being urged to take shelter
Sydney wildfires: Out of control blaze is among the worst in a decade
Show all 16Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
The bushfire thought to be one of the worst in a decade has hit areas in Australia, destroying dozens of homes as it sweeps across Sydney's north and south regions.
Hundreds of fire-fighters are now battling seven major fires across New South Wales. Residents who have not already been evacuated from surrounding areas are now being instructed to take shelter in their homes.
Dangerous weather conditions have fanned the flames, with fire-fighters in the area expecting "significant" home losses. Rural Fire Service Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers told ABC Radio: “It's probably the most serious fire risk we've faced since the early 2000s.
“If we come out of this day without losing hundreds of homes we'll be very lucky.”
Strong winds expected to reach up to 80km and temperatures of over 30C have caused havoc for fire-fighters attempting to tackle blazes.
A fast moving fire in the north of Lithgow has so far destroyed more than 600 hectares of bushland and is threatening properties across Clarence and Oaky Park.
Evacuation centres have been set up at the Blue Moutains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah and the Lithgow Workers Club.
The RFS said residents in the Balmoral Village, west of Wollongong should stay put now. "Basically we're just urging residents to take shelter. There's no time to leave now", Wendy Smith, RFS spokesperson told ABC news.
A team of 100 fire-fighters have also been working to douse a fire in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney on Thursday.
Approximately 60 fires are burning across the state and 20 of these remain uncontained. Emergency response teams are now preparing for tougher weather conditions.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments