NSW AUSTRALIA BRACED FOR LOSS OF HOMES, IF NOT LIFE

HUNDREDS of homes are feared destroyed and the NSW premier believes it will be a miracle if no lives are lost in the most grave bushfire crisis to hit the state in a decade. While the extent of the devastation was unclear on Thursday night, one of the worst-hit areas was Springwood, in the Blue Mountains, where up to 30 homes were known to be lost. 

But when the ashes settle, the number of destroyed or damaged properties across the state is expected to be much worse. 

Elsewhere, thousands of firefighters were struggling against around 100 blazes across the state - on the Central Coast and further north, the Southern Highlands and the south coast. 

• It was too soon to estimate how many properties had been lost, but Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons predicted: "we'll be counting properties in the dozens, if not the hundreds." 
• Premier Barry O'Farrell and Mr Fitzsimmons told reporters the public should brace for widespread destruction.

Source: News Com...More