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World Bushfires conditions worsen in east and west Australia

03:20  17 november  2019
03:20  17 november  2019 Source:   reuters.com

More than 60 bushfires are raging the state of New South Wales in Australia

More than 60 bushfires are raging the state of New South Wales in Australia Fire officials are warning of "catastrophic fire danger" as firefighters battle dozens of blazes raging across the Australian state of New South Wales. © Dan Peled/EPA/Shutterstock Mandatory Credit: Photo by DAN PELED/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock (10470920b) A firefighter works to contain a bushfire near Glen Innes, New South Wales, Australia, 10 November 2019. Three people have reportedly been killed, five are missing and 150 homes have been destroyed as more than 80 bushfires are burning uncontained around the state.

Bushfires in Australia are a widespread and regular occurrence that have contributed significantly to shaping the nature of the continent over millions of years.

Western Australia declared catastrophic fire ratings for four of the state regions as temperatures were set to rise well above 40 degrees Celsius (104° Conditions are expected to further worsen for most of Australia 's east coast as of Tuesday as temperatures are set to rise amid continued dry conditions .

  • Slide 1 of 50: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 14: A CFA Member works on controlled back burns along Putty Road on November 14, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. Crews are working hard to gain the upper hand after devastating fires tore through areas near Colo Heights. Bushfires from the Gospers Mountain bushfire continue to burn. An estimated million hectares of land has been burned by bushfire following catastrophic fire conditions - the highest possible level of bushfire danger. While conditions have eased, fire crews remain on high alert as dozens of bushfires continue to burn. A state of emergency was declared by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Monday 11 November and is still in effect, giving emergency powers to Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and prohibiting fires across the state. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
    1/50 SLIDES © Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

    More than 60 fires are burning across New South Wales, Australia. The blazes have killed at least three and destroyed hundreds of homes. 

    (Pictured) A firefighter works on controlled back burns on Nov. 14 in Sydney.

  • Slide 2 of 50: Mandatory Credit: Photo by DAN HIMBRECHTS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock (10476713b) New South Wales (NSW) Rural Fire Service firefighters (R) work to contain a bushfire that spread from the Gospers Mountain fire, in Colo Heights, New South Wales, Australia, 16 November 2019. The Gospers Mountain fire has been downgraded from Emergency Warning level to Watch and Act as fire activity has eased around Colo Heights. Bushfires continue to burn across New South Wales, Colo Heights, Australia - 16 Nov 2019
    2/50 SLIDES © DAN HIMBRECHTS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

    New South Wales (NSW) Rural Fire Service firefighters work to contain a bushfire that spread from the Gospers Mountain fire, in Colo Heights, on Nov. 16.

    Winds fan ferocious fires in Australia's most populous state

    Winds fan ferocious fires in Australia's most populous state Ferocious wildfires were burning at emergency-level intensity across Australia's most populous state and into Sydney's suburbs on Tuesday as authorities warned most people in their paths that there was no longer time to flee. New South Wales state is under a weeklong state of emergency, a declaration that gives the Rural Fire Service sweeping powers to control resources and direct other government agencies in its efforts to battle fires. The worst fires on Tuesday emerged in the state's northeast, where three people have died and more than 150 homes have been destroyed since Friday.

    Western Australia declared catastrophic fire ratings for four of the state regions as temperatures were set to rise well above 40 degrees Celsius (104° Conditions are expected to further worsen for most of Australia ’s east coast as of Tuesday as temperatures are set to rise amid continued dry conditions .

    The 2019–20 Australian bushfire season, colloquially known as the Black Summer, was a period of unusually intense bushfires throughout Australia .

  • Slide 3 of 50: A property is destroyed by fire near Colo Heights, northwest of Sydney, November 16, 2019. AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. AUSTRALIA OUT. NEW ZEALAND OUT. - RC25CD9S9US2
    3/50 SLIDES © AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts/Reuters

    A property is destroyed by fire, on Nov. 16.

  • Slide 4 of 50: Mandatory Credit: Photo by DAN HIMBRECHTS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock (10476713d) New South Wales (NSW) Rural Fire Service firefighters work to contain a bushfire that spread from the Gospers Mountain fire, in Colo Heights, New South Wales, Australia, 16 November 2019. The Gospers Mountain fire has been downgraded from Emergency Warning level to Watch and Act as fire activity has eased around Colo Heights. Bushfires continue to burn across New South Wales, Colo Heights, Australia - 16 Nov 2019
    4/50 SLIDES © Dan Himbrechts/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

    New South Wales Rural Fire Service firefighters work to contain the bushfire, in Colo Heights, on Nov. 16.

    Australian wildfires injure firefighters and destroy homes

    Australian wildfires injure firefighters and destroy homes CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Officials say more than 50 homes have been damaged or destroyed and 13 firefighters were injured overnight by catastrophic wildfires across Australia's most populous state before the emergency subsided. The fire service said Wednesday that at one point on Tuesday, 16 fires raged out of control at emergency level simultaneously across New South Wales state. State Premier Gladys Berejiklian says she was relieved that the destruction on Tuesday had not been worse.There were no fires burning at emergency level early Wednesday, but rain that would quench the fire danger is not forecast for months.

    Western Australia declared catastrophic fire ratings for four of the state regions as temperatures were set to rise well above 40 degrees Celsius (104° Conditions are expected to further worsen for most of Australia ’s east coast as of Tuesday as temperatures are set to rise amid continued dry conditions .

    Western Australia declared catastrophic fire ratings for four of the state regions as temperatures were set to rise well above 40 degrees Celsius (104° Conditions are expected to further worsen for most of Australia 's east coast as of Tuesday as temperatures are set to rise amid continued dry conditions .

  • Bushfires conditions worsen in east and west Australia
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    5/50 SLIDES © Dan Himbrechts/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

    A message from residents hangs from a tree in an area affected by bushfires in Colo Heights, on Nov. 16.

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    Australia 's bushfires are a common and deadly threat but the early outbreak this year in the southern spring has already claimed several lives and destroyed hundreds of homes. Authorities in Queensland issued emergency warnings for part of the state, where nearly 80 fires were burning on Sunday and

    Bushfire activity across south- eastern Australia picks up as the region is swept by hot, gusty winds that authorities Dozens of communities in East Gippsland are being threatened by bushfires . The change has already reached Victoria's south- west and crossed metropolitan Melbourne about 8:00am.

  • Slide 5 of 50: Mandatory Credit: Photo by DAN HIMBRECHTS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock (10476713i) A message from residents hangs from a tree in an area affected by bushfires in Colo Heights, New South Wales, Australia, 16 November 2019. The Gospers Mountain fire has been downgraded from Emergency Warning level to Watch and Act as fire activity has eased around Colo Heights. Bushfires continue to burn across New South Wales, Colo Heights, Australia - 16 Nov 2019
    6/50 SLIDES © Jeremy Piper/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

    New South Wales (NSW) Rural Fire Service firefighters prepare to contain the bushfire, in Putty, on Nov. 16.

  • Slide 6 of 50: Mandatory Credit: Photo by JEREMY PIPER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock (10476714b) New South Wales (NSW) Rural Fire Service firefighters prepare to contain a bushfire that spread from the Gospers Mountain fire, in Putty, New South Wales, Australia, 16 November 2019. The Gospers Mountain fire has been downgraded from Emergency Warning level to Watch and Act as fire activity has eased around Colo Heights. Bushfires continue to burn across New South Wales, Putty, Australia - 16 Nov 2019
    7/50 SLIDES © Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

    A kangaroo escapes the fire as the fire front approaches a property, on Nov. 15, in Colo Heights.

    Bushfires rage across Australia's east coast

    Bushfires rage across Australia's east coast Bushfires rage across Australia's east coastMore than 60 fires are burning across New South Wales, Australia. The blazes have killed at least three and destroyed hundreds of homes.

    Bushfires in Australia seen by satellite / Earth from space - Продолжительность: 2:17 Space Videos Recommended for you. Australia fires: nation braces for 'catastrophic' bushfire week - Продолжительность: 1:59 Guardian News 279 347 просмотров.

    Bushfire news alerts. The latest news and updates on bushfires burning across Australia , featuring 9News reporters on the ground monitoring the situation as Eucalypt trees are synonymous with the Australian bushland and are what most Australians identify with when they hear the words " bushfire ".

  • Slide 7 of 50: COLO HEIGHTS, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 15: A kangaroo escapes the fire as the fire front approaches a property on November 15, 2019 in Colo Heights, Australia. The warning has been issued for a 80,000-hectare blaze at Gospers Mountain, which is burning in the direction of Colo Heights. An estimated million hectares of land has been burned by bushfire across Australia following catastrophic fire conditions - the highest possible level of bushfire danger - in the past week. A state of emergency was declared by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Monday 11 November and is still in effect, giving emergency powers to Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and prohibiting fires across the state. Four people have died following the bushfires in NSW this week. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
    8/50 SLIDES © Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

    Flames illuminate the sky over a property on Putty road, on Nov. 15, in Colo Heights.

    Miley and Cody hit with split rumors - what's really going on?

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  • Slide 8 of 50: COLO HEIGHTS, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 15: Flames illuminate the sky over a property on Putty road on November 15, 2019 in Colo Heights, Australia. The warning has been issued for a 80,000-hectare blaze at Gospers Mountain, which is burning in the direction of Colo Heights. An estimated million hectares of land has been burned by bushfire across Australia following catastrophic fire conditions - the highest possible level of bushfire danger - in the past week. A state of emergency was declared by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Monday 11 November and is still in effect, giving emergency powers to Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and prohibiting fires across the state. Four people have died following the bushfires in NSW this week. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
    9/50 SLIDES © Brett Hemmings/Getty Images
    Fire crews wait at a property along Putty road as the fire front approaches on Nov. 15 in Colo Heights. The warning has been issued for a 80,000-hectare blaze at Gospers Mountain, which is burning in the direction of Colo Heights. 
  • Slide 9 of 50: Fire crews wait at a property along Putty road as the fire front approaches on November 15, 2019 in Colo Heights, Australia. The warning has been issued for a 80,000-hectare blaze at Gospers Mountain, which is burning in the direction of Colo Heights. An estimated million hectares of land has been burned by bushfire across Australia following catastrophic fire conditions - the highest possible level of bushfire danger - in the past week. A state of emergency was declared by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Monday 11 November and is still in effect, giving emergency powers to Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and prohibiting fires across the state. Four people have died following the bushfires in NSW this week. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
    10/50 SLIDES © Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

    Fire retardant covers an area close by a property, on Nov. 15, in Colo Heights.

    Smoke Blankets Sydney as Bushfires Rage in Eastern Australia

    Smoke Blankets Sydney as Bushfires Rage in Eastern Australia Sydney was shrouded by smoke for a second time this week on Thursday as bushfires continued to rage along Australia’s eastern seaboard. Early morning commuters in the city center were faced with an acrid haze that stung the eyes and blanketed landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and harbor bridge. Authorities warned of poor air quality that could be harmful to people with respiratory conditions.The New South Wales Rural Fire Service said the smoke was coming from around 50 fires burning mainly in the north of the state. Total fire bans have been declared for 12 areas, with hot, dry and windy weather forecast.

  • Bushfires conditions worsen in east and west Australia
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    11/50 SLIDES © Sam Mooy/Getty Images
    Bushfire smoke clouds over the Hawkesbury River on Nov. 15 in Brooklyn. An estimated million hectares of land has been burned by bushfire across following catastrophic fire conditions - the highest possible level of bushfire danger. 
  • Slide 10 of 50: COLO HEIGHTS, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 15: Fire retardant covers an area close by a property on November 15, 2019 in Colo Heights, Australia. The warning has been issued for a 80,000-hectare blaze at Gospers Mountain, which is burning in the direction of Colo Heights. An estimated million hectares of land has been burned by bushfire across Australia following catastrophic fire conditions - the highest possible level of bushfire danger - in the past week. A state of emergency was declared by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Monday 11 November and is still in effect, giving emergency powers to Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and prohibiting fires across the state. Four people have died following the bushfires in NSW this week. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
    12/50 SLIDES © William West/AFP/Getty Images
    People watch as the fire front approaches their home at Nabiac, some 350kms north of Sydney, on Nov. 15. 
  • Slide 11 of 50: Bushfire smoke clouds over the Hawkesbury River on November 15, 2019 in Brooklyn, Australia. An estimated million hectares of land has been burned by bushfire across follownig catastrophic fire conditions - the highest possible level of bushfire danger. While conditions have eased, fire crews remain on high alert as dozens of bushfires continue to burn. A state of emergency was declared by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Monday 11 November and is still in effect, giving emergency powers to Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and prohibiting fires across the state. Four people have died following the bushfires in NSW this week. (Photo by Sam Mooy/Getty Images)
    13/50 SLIDES © Dan Himbrechts/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
    A cloud of smoke rising from a bushfire on Gospers Mountains looms over Colo Heights, on Nov. 13. (Image was issued on Nov. 15). 
  • Slide 12 of 50: People watch as the fire front approaches their home at Nabiac, some 350kms north of Sydney, on November 15, 2019. - The death toll from devastating bushfires in eastern Australia has risen to four after a man's body was discovered in a scorched area of bushland, police said on November 14. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP) (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)
    14/50 SLIDES © Glenn Hunt/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
    A thick haze from bushfires engulfs Brisbane, Queensland, on Nov. 15. Bushfire conditions are continuing to deteriorate as extremely hot air is pushed across the state. 
  • Slide 13 of 50: A cloud of smoke rising from a bushfire on Gospers Mountains looms over Colo Heights, New South Wales (NSW), Australia, 13 November 2019 (issued 15 November 2019). According to media reports, at least four people have been killed and hundreds of homes have been destroyed as more that 80 bushfires are burning uncontained around the state. Photo Credit: DAN HIMBRECHTS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
    15/50 SLIDES © Australia Pool/AP Photo

    In this image made from video, huge plumes of smoke billow from trees on fire in Gospers Mountain, on Nov. 15.

    Koalas are not functionally extinct, but they need our help

    Koalas are not functionally extinct, but they need our help Reports abound Australia's bushfires have pushed the cuddly, grey marsupial to the brink but scientists have raised questions.The bushfires wreaked havoc across Australia, destroying hundreds of thousands of hectares of bushland. It's estimated up to 1,000 koalas may have killed half the population living in Port Macquarie. A tragedy, for a species already struggling to survive against the effects of climate change , disease and deforestation.

  • Slide 14 of 50: A thick haze from bushfires engulfs Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 15 November 2019. Bushfire conditions are continuing to deteriorate as extremely hot air is pushed across the state. According to media reports, on 14 November police arrested a 16-year-old accused of starting a bushfire that razed at least 14 homes in Cobraball. At least 70 bushfires are continuing to burn across Queensland. Photo Credit: GLENN HUNT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
    16/50 SLIDES © NASA/Satellite image ©2019 Maxar Technologies/AP Photo

    This NASA Modis satellite image provided by Maxar shows smoke from wildfires burning, in New South Wales, on Nov. 14.

  • Bushfires conditions worsen in east and west Australia
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    17/50 SLIDES © Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

    A charred car remains on Nov. 14 following devastating fires.

  • Slide 15 of 50: In this image made from video, huge plumes of smoke billow from trees on fire in Gospers Mountain, New South Wales, Australia, Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. At least 50 homes were damaged or destroyed in New South Wales on Tuesday by wildfires that had burnt into the suburbs of Sydney, Australia’s largest city.(Australia Pool via AP)
    18/50 SLIDES © William West/AFP/Getty Images

    A sign indicating koalas live in the area stands in a forest near the town of Taree on Nov. 14.

  • Slide 16 of 50: This NASA Modis satellite image provided by Maxar shows smoke from wildfires burning in in New South Wales, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019. About 60 fires were burning around New South Wales on Thursday morning, with 27 uncontained while being battled by more than 1,000 firefighters, the Rural Fire Service said. (NASA/Satellite image ©2019 Maxar Technologies via AP)
    19/50 SLIDES © Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

    A fire crew gathers next to a water bombing helicopter on Nov. 14.

  • Slide 17 of 50: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 14: A burnt car on a vacant derelict property along Putty Road after devastating fires tore through areas near Colo Heights on November 14, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. Bushfires from the Gospers Mountain bushfire continue to burn. An estimated million hectares of land has been burned by bushfire following catastrophic fire conditions - the highest possible level of bushfire danger. While conditions have eased, fire crews remain on high alert as dozens of bushfires continue to burn. A state of emergency was declared by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Monday 11 November and is still in effect, giving emergency powers to Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and prohibiting fires across the state. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
    20/50 SLIDES © Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

    Firefighters work on controlled back burns on Nov. 14.

  • Slide 18 of 50: A sign, indicating koalas live in the area, stands in a burnt out forest near the town of Taree, some 350kms north of Sydney, on November 14, 2019. - The death toll from devastating bushfires in eastern Australia has risen to four after a man's body was discovered in a scorched area of bushland, police said on November 14. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP) (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)
    21/50 SLIDES © William West/AFP/Getty Images

    A local walks on a farm as flames approach near the town of Taree on Nov. 14.

  • Slide 19 of 50: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 14: A fire crew gathers next to a water bombing helicopter Colo Heights as fires from the Gospers Mountain bushfire continue to burn on November 14, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. An estimated million hectares of land have been burned by bushfire following catastrophic fire conditions - the highest possible level of bushfire danger. While conditions have eased, fire crews remain on high alert as dozens of bushfires continue to burn. A state of emergency was declared by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Monday 11 November and is still in effect, giving emergency powers to Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and prohibiting fires across the state. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
    22/50 SLIDES © William West/AFP/Getty Images

    A man uses a wet towel to help put out flames as they encroach on farmland near the town of Taree on Nov. 14.

  • Slide 20 of 50: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 14: CFA Members work on controlled back burns along Putty Road on November 14, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. Crews are working hard to gain the upper hand after devastating fires tore through areas near Colo Heights. Bushfires from the Gospers Mountain bushfire continue to burn. An estimated million hectares of land has been burned by bushfire following catastrophic fire conditions - the highest possible level of bushfire danger. While conditions have eased, fire crews remain on high alert as dozens of bushfires continue to burn. A state of emergency was declared by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Monday 11 November and is still in effect, giving emergency powers to Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and prohibiting fires across the state. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
    23/50 SLIDES © William West/AFP/Getty Images

    A farmer, bottom, watches as firefighters, top, put out flames near the town of Taree on Nov. 14.

  • Slide 21 of 50: A local walks on a farm as flames approach near the town of Taree, some 350kms north of Sydney, on November 14, 2019. - The death toll from devastating bushfires in eastern Australia has risen to four after a man's body was discovered in a scorched area of bushland, police said on November 14. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP) (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)
    24/50 SLIDES © WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images

    Resident Warren Smith inspects the damage after returning to find his house destroyed in the bushfires near the small town of Nana Glen, some 373 miles north of Sydney, on Nov. 13. 

  • Slide 22 of 50: A man uses a wet towel to help put out flames as they encroach on farmland near the town of Taree, some 350kms north of Sydney, on November 14, 2019. - The death toll from devastating bushfires in eastern Australia has risen to four after a man's body was discovered in a scorched area of bushland, police said on November 14. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP) (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)
    25/50 SLIDES © WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images
    Neighbors Teresa de Ruyter (L) and Michelle Wilson (R) embrace after returning to their homes on Nov. 13.
  • Slide 23 of 50: A farmer (bottom) watches as firefighters (top) put out flames near the town of Taree, some 350kms north of Sydney, on November 14, 2019. - The death toll from devastating bushfires in eastern Australia has risen to four after a man's body was discovered in a scorched area of bushland, police said on November 14. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP) (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)
    26/50 SLIDES © Brett Hemmings/Getty Images
    Flames from the Gospers Mountain bushfire reach the areas surrounding Colo Heights on Nov. 13 in Sydney, Australia. 
  • Slide 24 of 50: Resident Warren Smith inspects the damage after returning to find his house destroyed in the bushfires near the small town of Nana Glen, some 600kms north of Sydney, on November 13, 2019. - Bushfires raging across eastern Australia singed Sydney's suburbs, with firefighters scrambling planes and helicopters to douse a built-up neighbourhood with water and red retardant.
    27/50 SLIDES © Sam Mooy/Getty Images
    RFS Firefighters battle a spot fire on Nov. 13.
  • Slide 25 of 50: Neighbours Teresa de Ruyter (L) and Michelle Wilson (R) embrace after returning to their homes after the bushfires near the small town of Nana Glen, some 600kms north of Sydney, on November 13, 2019. - Bushfires raging across eastern Australia singed Sydney's suburbs, with firefighters scrambling planes and helicopters to douse a built-up neighbourhood with water and red retardant.
    28/50 SLIDES © Sam Mooy/Getty Images
    Danny Wearne surveys the bushfire damage to his property on Nov. 13.
  • Slide 26 of 50: Flames from the Gospers Mountain bushfire reach the areas surrounding Colo Heights on November 13, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. Catastrophic fire conditions - the highest possible level of bushfire danger - have eased across greater Sydney, Illawarra and Hunter areas thanks to a slight cool change, however dozens of bushfires are still burning. A state of emergency, as declared by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Monday, is still in effect, giving emergency powers to Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and prohibiting fires across the state.
    29/50 SLIDES © Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images

    A bushfire burns outside a property near Taree, 218 miles north of Sydney on Nov. 12.

  • Slide 27 of 50: RFS Firefighters battle a spot fire on November 13, 2019 in Hillville, Australia. Catastrophic fire conditions - the highest possible level of bushfire danger - have eased across greater Sydney, Illawarra and Hunter areas thanks to a slight cool change, however dozens of bushfires are still burning. A state of emergency, as declared by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Monday, is still in effect, giving emergency powers to Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and prohibiting fires across the state.
    30/50 SLIDES © Sam Mooy/Getty Images

    NSW Rural Fire Service firefighters mop up after a bushfire in the suburb of Llandilo on Nov. 12 in Sydney, Australia. 

  • Slide 28 of 50: Danny Wearne surveys the bushfire damage to his property on November 13, 2019 in Rainbow Flat, Australia. Catastrophic fire conditions - the highest possible level of bushfire danger - have eased across greater Sydney, Illawarra and Hunter areas thanks to a slight cool change, however dozens of bushfires are still burning. A state of emergency, as declared by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Monday, is still in effect, giving emergency powers to Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and prohibiting fires across the state.
    31/50 SLIDES © Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images
    Charred trees are seen at the Woodford residential area on Nov. 12.
  • Slide 29 of 50: A bushfire burns outside a property near Taree, 350km north of Sydney on November 12, 2019. - A state of emergency was declared on November 11, 2019 and residents in the Sydney area were warned of
    32/50 SLIDES © Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
    A spokesperson shows media a fire prediction on Nov. 12.
  • Slide 30 of 50: NSW Rural Fire Service firefighters mop up after a bushfire in the suburb of Llandilo on November 12, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. More than 50 fires are burning across NSW with 200 homes and sheds destroyed and three people confirmed dead. Catastrophic fire danger - the highest possible level of bushfire danger - has been forecast for the greater Sydney, Illawarra and Hunter areas which includes the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian declared a state of emergency on Monday, giving emergency powers to Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and prohibiting fires across the state while almost 600 schools have also been closed as a safety precaution.
    33/50 SLIDES © Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
    NSW Fire & Rescue Commissioner Paul Baxter talks to media at Sydney Olympic Park on Nov. 12. 
  • Slide 31 of 50: Charred trees are seen at the Woodford residential area after a bushfire in Blue Mountains on November 12, 2019. - A state of emergency was declared on November 11, 2019 and residents in the Sydney area were warned of
    34/50 SLIDES © SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images
    A firefighter doses a bushfire in the residential area of Sydney on Nov. 12.
  • Slide 32 of 50: A spokesperson shows media a fire prediction are map at the NSW Rural Fire Service Headquarters at Sydney Olympic Park on November 12, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. More than 50 fires are burning across NSW with 200 homes and sheds destroyed and three people confirmed dead. Catastrophic fire danger - the highest possible level of bushfire danger - has been forecast for the greater Sydney, Illawarra and Hunter areas which includes the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian declared a state of emergency on Monday, giving emergency powers to Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and prohibiting fires across the state while almost 600 schools have also been closed as a safety precaution.
    35/50 SLIDES © Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
    Locals are seen attending to Horses at the Evacuation Area at French's Forest Showgrounds on Nov. 12.
  • Slide 33 of 50: NSW Fire & Rescue Commissioner Paul Baxter talks to media at the NSW Rural Fire Service Headquarters at Sydney Olympic Park on November 12, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. More than 50 fires are burning across NSW with 200 homes and sheds destroyed and three people confirmed dead. Catastrophic fire danger - the highest possible level of bushfire danger - has been forecast for the greater Sydney, Illawarra and Hunter areas which includes the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian declared a state of emergency on Monday, giving emergency powers to Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and prohibiting fires across the state while almost 600 schools have also been closed as a safety precaution.
    36/50 SLIDES © Darren Pateman/AAP Images via AP
    Jamie Fato prepares to stop an out of control fire entering Owen Whalan's property at Koorainghat, near Taree, New South Wales state, on Nov. 12.
  • Slide 34 of 50: A firefighter doses a bushfire in the residential area of Sydney on November 12, 2019. - A state of emergency was declared on November 11, 2019 and residents in the Sydney area were warned of
    37/50 SLIDES © William West/AFP via Getty Images
    A helicopter drops water on a homestead as bushfires impact on farmland near the small town of Nana Glen, some 373 miles of north of Sydney on Nov. 12.
  • Slide 35 of 50: Locals are seen attending to Horses at the Evacuation Area at French's Forest Showgrounds on November 12, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. More than 50 fires are burning across NSW with 200 homes and sheds destroyed and three people confirmed dead. Catastrophic fire danger - the highest possible level of bushfire danger - has been forecast for the greater Sydney, Illawarra and Hunter areas which includes the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian declared a state of emergency on Monday, giving emergency powers to Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons and prohibiting fires across the state while almost 600 schools have also been closed as a safety precaution.
    38/50 SLIDES © AAP Image/Darren Pateman/via Reuters
    A Gloucester fire crew member fights flames from a bushfire on Nov. 12.
  • Slide 36 of 50: Jamie Fato prepares to stop an out of control fire entering Owen Whalan's property at Koorainghat, near Taree, New South Wales state, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019. Hundreds of schools remained closed across Australia's most populous state on Tuesday, Nov. 12, and residents were urged to evacuate woodlands for the relative safety of city centers as authorities braced for extreme fire danger.
    39/50 SLIDES © PETER PARKS/AFP via Getty Images
    A bushfire burns out of control in Hillville road near Taree, 217 miles north of Sydney, on Nov. 12.
  • Slide 37 of 50: A helicopter drops water on a homestead as bushfires impact on farmland near the small town of Nana Glen, some 600kms north of Sydney on November 12, 2019. - Bushfires reached within kilometres (miles) of Sydney's city centre prompting firefighting planes to spray red retardant over trees and houses in a northern suburb.
    40/50 SLIDES © Wolter Peeters/The Sydney Morning Herald via Getty Images

    The bridge in Macksville on the Mid North Coast of NSW is covered in a shroud of bushfire smoke, on Nov. 11.

  • Slide 38 of 50: A Gloucester fire crew member fights flames from a bushfire at Koorainghat, near Taree in the Mid North Coast region of NSW, Australia, November 12, 2019.
    41/50 SLIDES © MIKE BATTERHAM/AFP via Getty Images
    Firefighters and emergency service members prepare for deployment to fight bushfires, at a fire command center on Nov. 12 in Boonah, Queensland.
  • Slide 39 of 50: A bushfire burns out of control in Hillville road near Taree, 350km north of Sydney on November 12, 2019. - A state of emergency was declared on November 11, 2019 and residents in the Sydney area were warned of
    42/50 SLIDES © NASA via AP
    This Nov. 8, 2019, satellite photo taken by NASA shows hot, dry and windy weather conditions as bushfires burn in the eastern part of News South Wales state. 
  • Slide 40 of 50: The bridge in Macksville on the Mid North Coast of NSW is covered in a shroud of bushfire smoke, November 11, 2019.
    43/50 SLIDES © Brook Mitchell/Getty Images
    A fire and rescue team inspect the damage around Torrington in Glen Innes, New South Wales, on Nov. 11.  
  • Slide 41 of 50: Firefighters and emergency service members prepare for deployment to fight bushfires, at a fire command centre in Boonah, Queensland on November 12, 2019. - A state of emergency was declared on November 11, 2019 and residents in the Sydney area were warned of
    44/50 SLIDES © Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images
    Roads are closed as a bushfire still smolder in Old Bar, north of Sydney, on Nov. 10.
  • Slide 42 of 50: This Nov. 8, 2019, satellite photo taken by NASA shows hot, dry and windy weather conditions as bushfires burn in the eastern part of News South Wales state. Hundreds of schools were closed and residents were urged to evacuate woodlands for the relative safety of city centers Tuesday as hot, dry and windy weather posed an extreme fire danger across the Australia's most populous state.
    45/50 SLIDES © Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images
    Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (L) talks to residents at an evacuation center in Taree, north of Sydney, on Nov. 10.
  • Slide 43 of 50: GLEN INNES, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 11: A fir and rescue team inspect the damage around Torrington on November 11, 2019 in Glen Innes, Australia. Three people have died and 200 homes have been lost after bushfires burned through New South Wales and Queensland over the weekend. More than 850,000 hectares of land have been razed in NSW since the start of the bushfire season this year. More than 65 fires are still burning across the state today and there are catastrophic conditions predicted for Greater Sydney and the Greater Hunter areas on Tuesday. (Photo by Brook Mitchell/Getty Images)
    46/50 SLIDES © Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images
    The remains of a house are seen after a bushfire destroyed a property in Old Bar, north of Sydney, on Nov. 10.
  • Slide 44 of 50: Roads are closed as a bushfire still smoulder in Old Bar, 350km north of Sydney on November 10, 2019. - Firefighters in eastern Australia were on November 10, 2019 assessing damage from ferocious bushfires that have devastated communities and rushing to prepare for
    47/50 SLIDES © Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images

    Firefighters tackle a bushfire to save a home in Taree, north of Sydney, on Nov. 9.

  • Slide 45 of 50: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (L) talks to residents at an evacuation centre in Taree 350km north of Sydney on November 10, 2019 as firefighters try to contain dozens of out-of-control blazes that are raging in the state of New South Wales. - Three people are known to have have died and 150 homes have been destroyed as an unprecedented number of bushfires tore through eastern Australia. (Photo by PETER PARKS / AFP) (Photo by PETER PARKS/AFP via Getty Images)
    48/50 SLIDES © Tom Bannigan/AFP via Getty Images
    Photo taken on Nov. 9, shows bushfires taken from a plane in over northeastern New South Wales.
  • Slide 46 of 50: The remains of a house are seen after a bushfire destroyed a property in Old Bar, 350km north of Sydney on November 10, 2019. - Firefighters in eastern Australia were on November 10, 2019 assessing damage from ferocious bushfires that have devastated communities and rushing to prepare for
    49/50 SLIDES © AAP Image/Shane Chalker via REUTERS
    A fire bombing helicopter works to contain a bushfire along Old Bar, New South Wales, on Nov. 9.
  • Slide 47 of 50: Firefighters tackle a bushfire to save a home in Taree, 350km north of Sydney on November 9, 2019 as they try to contain dozens of out-of-control blazes that are raging in the state of New South Wales. - At least two people have died and 100 homes have been destroyed as an unprecedented number of bushfires tore through eastern Australia. (Photo by PETER PARKS / AFP) (Photo by PETER PARKS/AFP via Getty Images)
    50/50 SLIDES © Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images
    A dehydrated and injured Koala receives treatment at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie, on Nov. 2.
  • Slide 48 of 50: Photo taken on November 9, 2019 shows bushfires taken from a plane in over north eastern New South Wales. - Firefighters in eastern Australia were on November 10, 2019 assessing damage from ferocious bushfires that have devastated communities and rushing to prepare for
  • Slide 49 of 50: A fire bombing helicopter works to contain a bushfire along Old Bar road in Old Bar, New South Wales, Australia, November 9, 2019. AAP Image/Shane Chalker/via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVE. AUSTRALIA OUT. NEW ZEALAND OUT. - RC2F7D905JV8
  • Slide 50 of 50: A dehydrated and injured Koala receives treatment at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie on November 2, 2019, after its rescue from a bushfire that has ravaged an area of over 2,000 hectares. - Hundreds of koalas are feared to have burned to death in an out-of-control bushfire on Australia's east coast, wildlife authorities said October 30. (Photo by SAEED KHAN / AFP) (Photo by SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Slideshow by photo services

Microsoft News US is supporting Microsoft News Australia in its campaign to help respond to the devastating bushfires that are ravaging the country. Together we are raising fundsfor Australian Red Cross, St Vincent De Paul Society and The Salvation Army. These organizations are helping communities across the country. You can help by donating here . For the latest news on this disaster from MSN Australia, visit Bushfire emergency.

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Rising temperatures, lightning strikes and gusty winds further raised fire danger on both coasts of Australia on Sunday as the country already battles more than 120 bushfires and firefighters work day and night trying to contain them.

Western Australia declared catastrophic fire ratings for four of the state regions as temperatures were set to rise well above 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) on Sunday.

Although the regions are thinly populated, the highest warning means that any fires that start are likely to be so devastating that even the most prepared properties may not survive it.

Australia's bushfires are a common and deadly threat but the early outbreak this year in the southern spring has already claimed several lives and destroyed hundreds of homes.

Queensland authorities issued emergency warnings for part of the state, where nearly 70 fires were burning early on Sunday.

"Today is another day for severe and extreme fire danger," Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said on Twitter. "Please, remain vigilant."

In New South Wales, where 303 homes have been lost in the past week and which saw its first-ever catastrophic fire rating issued for Sydney on Tuesday, there were 56 fires burning across the state with nearly half yet to be contained, NSW Rural Fire Services said.

"Crews overnight undertook backburning behind properties due to forecast elevated fire dangers today," the fire services said on Twitter.

"This important work will continue as conditions allow throughout the day."

Back burns are fires deliberately lit to clear dry undergrowth to protect properties and keep the fire from spreading.

Conditions are expected to further worsen for most of Australia's east coast as of Tuesday as temperatures are set to rise amid continued dry conditions.

(Reporting by Lidia Kelly; Editing by Daniel Wallis)

Koalas are not functionally extinct, but they need our help .
Reports abound Australia's bushfires have pushed the cuddly, grey marsupial to the brink but scientists have raised questions.The bushfires wreaked havoc across Australia, destroying hundreds of thousands of hectares of bushland. It's estimated up to 1,000 koalas may have killed half the population living in Port Macquarie. A tragedy, for a species already struggling to survive against the effects of climate change , disease and deforestation.

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