Australia Bushfire: New South Wales Battles Catastrophic Conditions

– More than 85 fires are burning across the state of New South Wales (NSW), 46 of which are not contained

– Authorities said that the Turramurra fire had been brought under control, but one firefighter battling the blaze

– Authorities had predicted “catastrophic” conditions for Tuesday, amid fears a southerly wind

A vast area of Australia’s east coast – including parts of the Sydney suburbs is facing one of the nation’s worst ever bushfire threats.

More than 85 fires are burning across the state of New South Wales (NSW), 46 of which are not contained.

Authorities had predicted “catastrophic” conditions for Tuesday, amid fears a southerly wind could cause the flames to change direction.

About six million people live in the region.

Firefighting planes dropped flame retardant over trees and homes in the suburb of South Turramurra, on Sydney’s north shore, as the bushfires came within 15km (nine miles) of the city centre.

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Authorities said that the Turramurra fire had been brought under control, but one firefighter battling the blaze there had suffered a broken arm and suspected fractured ribs.

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State Premier Gladys Berejiklian, who has declared a seven-day state of emergency, said that Tuesday would be “about protecting life, protecting property and ensuring everybody is safe as possible”.

People in vulnerable NSW communities have been urged to stay away from bushland, and to flee their homes before the fires escalate. More than 600 schools are closed across the state.

Three people have died and more than 150 properties have been destroyed since the fire emergency intensified in NSW on Friday.

But authorities said they were now facing what could be “the most dangerous bushfire week this nation has ever seen”.