Hunter Valley bushfires rage after record day of heat in NSW
Hot, dry conditions have fuelled an out-of-control bushfire at Lovedale in the New South Wales Hunter Region after a record-breaking day of heat.
Volatile conditions mean the situation is changing rapidly, with 50 firefighters currently on the ground tackling the fire.
The fire is raging across five hectares of land but is expected to grow.
Officers from Fire and Rescue NSW are also on the scene, with two water bombing aircraft called in to help contain the fire.
The fire is moving in a south-easterly direction with strong winds fanning the flames.
No properties are currently under threat but fire authorities are warning that the situation may change in the coming hours.
The advice for locals in the region is to enact their bushfire survival plan and take advice from firefighters on the ground.
Sydneysiders have also sweltered through record December heat, with temperatures hitting 43 degrees in the western suburbs.
The summer heatwave has emergency crews on high alert, with people warned to stay indoors and keep hydrated.
