Australia is returning to heat and fire ... and evacuating areas in the capital
An archive image to extinguish a fire on the outskirts of the Australian capital
The authorities closed the roads, and asked the residents to leave, or to stay away from the outskirts of the east of the capital, while pictures posted on social media showed gray smoke billowing over the suburbs.
There were no reports of human casualties or material damage.
"I can see smoke from my house," said Ken Khaosey, who owns a gymnasium, by phone, as he drove his car to work in the area covered by the evacuation, about 14 km from parliament.
He added: "I am just going to find out what's going on ... and make sure everyone is safe or out of the area."
Hundreds of forest fires in Australia have killed 29 people since September, as well as estimates of the deaths of one billion animals and the burning of 2,500 homes.
Firefighters seized the opportunity of more moderate rains and temperatures during the past week to contain the fires, but the calm period ended on Wednesday with the return of strong winds and high temperatures.
Dozens of fires raged in New South Wales and Victoria today, Wednesday.
Temperatures in Victoria are expected to exceed 32 degrees today while prompting authorities to warn of severe risks of fire in some areas.
Temperatures in New South Wales are expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius tomorrow, Thursday.