Huge wildfires roaring across Australia's most populous state have destroyed homes, authorities say.

WILDFIRES broke out in forestland around Sydney as high temperatures and gusting winds fanned more than 100 blazes in eastern Australia, officials said yesterday.

Wildfires broke out in forestland around Sydney as high temperatures and gusting winds fanned more than 100 blazes in eastern Australia, officials said today.

More than 1,500 people were evacuated from their homes as a massive blaze threatened three coastal villages south of Sydney today.

Weary firefighters sang and danced today after heavy rain doused many bush fires that had burned out of control across Australia’s most populous state for two weeks.