Sydney under fire

Sydney , the business capital of Australia is under fire threat. Firefighters have warned the northern Sydney suburb of Berowra is likely to come under threat from a bushfire at Mt Kuring-gai, but say they are confident they can protect the homes in its path.

The fire, which started yesterday, has crossed the F3 freeway and are burning in the area to the east of the Pacific Highway.

Rail lines north of Sydney, the freeway, and the highway have now been closed to traffic. Emergency Services Minister Tony Kelly warned homeowners to prepare for an ember attack.

About 250 firefighters and waterbombing helicopters are battling the blaze and crews are working to extinguish a spot fire which has sprung up south of the main blaze.

NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Assistant Commissioner Rob Rogers said homes in Berowra would come under direct threat if the fire jumped the Pacific Highway.

Bush fires are quite regular in Australia during summer season, but the ongoing drought means that fire can spread rapidly. Its a real worry for sydneysiders.
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