The air over Sydney cleared of smoke today for the first time in more than a fortnight, but bush fires continued to threaten a coastal village further south.

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.

Firefighters battling bush fires around the Australian city of Sydney have received a respite from the ferocity of the blazes after clouds gathered over the city for the first time in days.