Bushfires have destroyed at least 100 homes near Australia's largest city, Sydney.

Australian authorities this morning warned that more properties were likely to fall victim as the fires burn out of control.

At least one person has died as a result of the fires, a 63-year-old man who had a heart attack as he tried to defend his home.

About 100 fires are burning in New South Wales, fanned by unusually high temperatures and strong winds.

About a third are still uncontained.

Thousands of people spent last night in evacuation centres on the outskirts of the city.

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