Wildfires force thousands to leave their properties as Australian states swelter

Six homes were destroyed by the fires in South Australia and Victoria states, officials said, though no serious injuries have been reported.

Dry conditions and temperatures in the upper 30s Celsius (about 100F) were causing problems for firefighters battling the blazes. Officials said it would take days to get the fires under control.

The worst of the fires was in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia, where the flames had destroyed five homes and put hundreds of others at risk, state Country Fire Service spokesman Daniel Hamilton said.

Residents of 19 communities had been asked to leave their homes as a predicted shift in the winds later prompted fears the flames could worsen.

The forecast was also predicting increased humidity, which could slow the fire’s progress, Hamilton said.

Up to 2,000 firefighters were battling the blazes across the state from the ground and the air, with more than a dozen aircraft dumping water on to the flames. Six firefighters were treated for minor conditions, mainly smoke inhalation.

In neighbouring Victoria state, firefighters had controlled more than 300 fires since Friday.