08/11/2019 12:31
Australia bushfires: Record number of emergencies in New South Wales
Australian authorities say an "unprecedented" number of emergency-level bushfires have threatened the state of New South Wales (NSW).
More than 90 blazes were raging across the state on Friday.
The fires - many in drought-affected areas - were being exacerbated by gusty winds and up to 35C heat.
There are reports of people trapped in their homes in several places, with crew unable to reach them due to the strength of the fires.
"We are in uncharted territory," said Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons, with at least 17 blazes at the highest threat level.
"We have never seen this many fires concurrently at emergency warning level."
Authorities warned some people to seek shelter from fires rather than flee, as it was now "too late to leave".