Australian firefighters hampered by extreme conditions

In eastern Australia, firefighters efforts to control a massive wildfire have spiralled out of control.

The backburning operation was intended to contain the fire, but a change in weather conditions led to a flare up of the fire and further destruction.

Buildings have been damaged, roads cut off, and people have been evacuated from their homes. 

The area, about 250km northwest of Sydney, is still in danger as forecasters predict another heatwave with soaring temperatures. 

No further casualties have been reported since 4 deaths in early November. 

The Bureau of Meteorolgy says the south east of the country will be subjected to more extreme heatwave conditions.