Australian fire fighters are battling a series of major wildfires in New South Wales, with fears that hundreds of homes have been destroyed.

The blazes are continuing to burn on the outskirts of Sydney, despite the easing of temperatures and winds.

Hundreds of residents spent Thursday night in evacuation centres, with many returning home to find their houses razed.

Some buildings were destroyed beyond recognition

Around 2,000 fire fighters across the state worked to try and contain the fires but many are still burning out of control, says the BBC's Jon Donnison in Sydney.

At least three fire fighters have been reported injured.

Officials were still trying to determine the number of homes affected by the fire, with reports estimating the loss of as many as 200 homes.

The fires have been caused by unseasonably hot temperatures and strong winds. While these have now died down, more hot weather is forecast next week.

(Source: BBC)