Australia braces for heatwave as more than 100 fires burn

Rural Fire Service firefighters controlling a backburn in an effort to contain an approaching fire near Nattai, southwest of Sydney, Australia. Hot dry conditions have brought an early start to the fire season. - AP

Sydney: Out of control bushfires forced residents in eastern Australia to flee their homes on Saturday (Dec 7), as other parts of the country braced for a heatwave due next week.

Bushfires are common in the country but scientists say this year's season has come earlier and with more intensity due to a prolonged drought and climatic conditions fuelled by global warming.