A fire that threatened to destroy dozens of multi-million dollar homes in a Sydney suburb may have been deliberately lit.
Follow live updates on the bushfires here
Australian broadcaster 7 News reported that the fire in Turramurra, in Sydney's upper north shore, was being investigated by police.
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"Police were quickly on the scene, with fears it could have been the work of an arsonist," 7 News' Mark Riley reported.
It comes as firefighters continue to battle at least 75 blazes across the state, which have claimed three lives and destroyed at least 170 homes.
Authorities are warning they have a long way to go to contain the "enormous" fires.
The fire service says while conditions eased slightly on Tuesday night, a total fire ban remains in place as crews work to contain dozens of out of control blazes.
There will be no help from above either, with no forecast rainfall on the horizon.
Schools on the north coast will remain closed on Wednesday.
A total fire ban is in place, and residents are on alert to leave at a moment's notice.
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What you need to know:
- Three people have died and at least 170 homes destroyed
- A state of emergency has been declared in New South Wales
- As of Tuesday night 75 fires were burning across NSW
- New Zealand firefighters have been sent to help contain the fires
- Temperatures are expected to drop, but more dangerous conditions are likely later in the week.
Follow our live updates here.
Newshub.
