Sydney: Australian authorities declared a state of emergency in New South Wales as almost 100 bushfires continue to burn across the state.
The state's Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it was the second state of emergency declared since the fires began in July.
Speaking alongside Berejiklian on Thursday, New South Wales Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said strike teams were placed on standby in the most at-risk areas before weather conditions deteriorate over the coming days.
The seven-day long state of emergency allows powers to be transferred from the government to the state's Rural Fire Service.
The powers cover the ability to control and coordinate the allocation of resources and evacuate people from property within a declared area.
Thursday's announcement was made as Sydney was again shrouded in thick smoke haze originating from nearby bushfires.
