Environment
Weather
After Australia's hottest ever day, NSW braces for smoke, wind and fires
The Rural Fire Service has advised affected residents to "leave early" as weather conditions are expected to rapidly deteriorate on Thursday, and smoke expected to return to the Sydney basin.
- by Matt Bungard
Latest
Weather
Australia records hottest day on record
Preliminary results suggest that 17th December was Australia's hottest day on record at 40.9 ºC, exceeding the previous record of 40.3 ºC on the 7th January 2013.c
Weather
Australia swelters through extreme heat
December heat records to tumble across most of the country.
NSW weather
Total fire ban for NSW as 'extreme heat' heads our way
A total fire ban will be in place across all of New South Wales until Sunday as experts warn people to stay indoors to avoid extreme heat conditions.
- by Matt Bungard
Weather
Five dangerous fire days approach in NSW
Fire bosses have warned of dangerous bush fire conditions over the next five days.
Weather
Extreme heat to increase bushfire risk
Fire crews will continue backburning ahead of a heatwave that could see bushfire activity increase across NSW.
Weather
Boy's daring bushfire escape
Perth schoolboy Lucas, 12, survived a fierce bushfire surrounding his home by driving through paddocks as a blaze raged around him.
Bushfires
Blaze burns near power plant as another fire destroys homes
An RFS spokesman said crews were aware the fire was burning just six kilometres east of Mt Piper power station, but believed there was "no current threat".
- by Laura Chung and Matt Bungard
Weather
Record breaking heatwave
Evacuated residents in the Seatrees and Breakwater estates may finally be allowed to return home in the coming hours.
Controlled back burning backfire
Today in the Blue Mountains a controlled back burning operation spiralled out of control, destroying up to 20 properties.