Wildfires

Wildfires - Australia

Fire officials believe the two ferocious bushfires that are raging across New South Wales putting scores of homes under threat may have been started deliberately.

Firefighters are tackling the blazes in Abermain and neighbouring Neath, north west of Newcastle, where two huge fires merged shortly after 2pm on Tuesday. More than 100 firefighters are battling the blazes on the ground while water bombing helicopters are also being used. Flames as high as 25m came within metres of people's homes, forcing people to grab their children, pets and prized possessions before fleeing in the nick of time. Other residents were told it was too late to escape and instructed to take refuge inside their homes as firemen tried to control the inferno.