New South Wales Experiences One of the Worst Wild Fires

A wild fire broke out in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, Thursday, Oct. 17, burning around two hundred homes and other properties to ashes, as estimated by NSW's Rural Fire Service officials.

A 63-year-old man also died of heart attack while trying to protect his house from the flames, according to a BBC report. The Rural Fire Service has evacuated about a thousand people from the area. Around three firemen are reported injured.

"We were hoping for a miracle but sadly it has now been confirmed there has been a fatality. I send my condolences to the man's family and friends at this difficult time," Barry O'Farrell, NSW Premier said in a statement.

The communities of Heatherbrae near Newcastle and Lithgow and Springwood in the Blue Mountains, has come to a virtual standstill due to the fire. The power supply in these places is cut, the schools are shut and the roads are closed, according to ABC news.

"Given the hostile conditions we saw yesterday, it's a testament to the professionalism of the members of the Rural Fire Service Fire and Rescue NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Services, NSW Police and other emergency services agencies in NSW that we have not seen a greater loss of life," O'Farrell said.

These bushfires usually occur in the hot and dry season in Australia, but this fire took place much earlier than the usual times. The fire spread over an area of about 70km (45 miles) because of strong winds, with flames about 100ft high leading to high temperatures and leaving the skies smoke- covered and dark.

About two thousand firemen across the state are trying to extinguish this fire, they might get some help soon as the weather conditions are expected to cool down on Friday.

This fire outbreak was termed the most devastating in the past decade by O' Farrell . Hotter weather is expected next week.

O'Farrell referred to these bush fires as "...some of the worst we have experienced around Sydney in living memory," in an interview on broadcaster 7 News.

"We're in for a long, tough summer," he added.