Raging wildfires in Australia leave Sydney shrouded in smoke - Telegraph.co.uk

There are about 100 fires burning across the state, with 40 of them not contained, according to local media.

"We are unclear yet as to how many properties have been lost. But it's suspected that by the time we finish counting, it'll at least be in the hundreds," Mr O'Farrell told reporters.

"The fact is that today's conditions, both the hot, dry conditions but also the wind conditions, have contributed to the difficulties faced by fire fighters and communities on the ground," he added.

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service said it is the most serious wildfire emergency they have seen in years.