At least five schools in NSW have closed due to the flames, and major roads and highways have been forced to shut.
Mr Fitzsimmons said the fire service has received reports that several communities have been impacted by the blazes, including reports of injuries to residents and damage to buildings.
He said the “high concentration of fire and extreme volatility and extraordinary fire behaviour” was being driven by a “drought-stricken landscape” and hot, dry, windy conditions”.
The fires follow Australia’s hottest summer on record, with very low rainfall sparking a draught.
source: express.co.uk