Thousands flee fires in Australia, navy helps evacuate the stranded

A vehicle is engulfed in yellowish smoke as it travels along a highway during bushfires near Cooma, New South Wales, Australia January 1, 2020 in this picture obtained from social media. Picture taken January 1, 2020. Mandatory credit JODIE BRADBY CANBERRA AUSTRALIA/via REUTERS

BATEMANS BAY, Australia/MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of holiday makers fled seaside towns on Australia's east coast on Thursday as bushfires approached, and military ships and helicopters began rescuing thousands more trapped by the blazes.

Fuelled by searing temperatures and high winds, more than 200 fires are burning across the southeastern states of New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, threatening several towns.