Wildfires sweep across New South Wales

2009-11-23 09:28 BJT

 

Firefighters in Australia are battling 140 blazes across New South Wales as scorching temperatures and strong winds continue to complicate efforts.The fire in central-west New South Wales has scorched about 16-hundred hectares of land and come within five kilometers of some townships.

Fire authorities have issued their highest level of alert in four areas of New South Wales. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepare to evacuate if needed.

They expressed their appreciation for the Rural Fire Service's quick response.

Local Resident, New South Wales, Australia, said, "It came within about three hundred meters and they did a great job fending it off, which was great. Yeah, and luckily the wind changed, which helped."