Fire fighters in Australia battled 140 blazes across New South Wales on Sunday in scorching temperatures and strong winds. Fire authorities issued their highest level of alert in four areas of New South Wales, with residents advised to remain vigilant and prepare to evacuate if needed. One fire in central-west New South Wales burnt about 1,600 hectares of land and came within five kilometres of some townships. Residents whose properties were endangered by the blaze were grateful that the Rural Fire Service were quick to respond.Around 60 of the blazes in New South Wales this weekend were contained by creating fire breaks or containment lines when they came close to townships or properties, but residents were not letting down their guards.The Rural Fire Service set up information services in the towns, providing residents with emergency instructions. Authorities laid out evacuation plans in case alert levels were raised. Authorities utilized 74 fire-fighting aircraft, more than 100 ground equipment and a newly arrived air crane from the US, named Isabelle. Isabelle can carry 9000 liters of water and reach inaccessible areas. The blazes reached the outskirts of Sydney, where temperatures rose to over 41 degrees Celsius.Flames hampered traffic in a motorway, and residents hosed areas near their homes. Many were worried about the extreme dryness and heat and being close to a large bush land reserve.As temperatures soared throughout the state and winds reached speeds of above 40 kilometers per hour, the Sydney city skyline was covered in haze. Crowds flocked to the beach to escape the heat.Total fire bans are still in place for much of NSW with fires now threatening areas of the Hunter Valley on the Northeast, but a cool change is expected on Sunday evening.
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