Homes destroyed, one dead as fire hits capital

Out-of-control bush fires raging near Australia's capital have destroyed several homes and are forcing thousands of people to evacuate.

Police confirmed at least one person has been killed. A state of emergency has been declared in the Australian Capital Territory as temperatures soared and westerly winds fanned blazes in mountains to the city's north, south and west.

Emergency services believe 50-60 homes have been destroyed, spokesman Mike Castle said.

The number is expected to rise as emergency workers assess the damage and visit outlying areas at first light on Sunday.