Zee Media Bureau/ Neha Attre
Melbourne: Authorities on Wednesday said that people in Blue Mountains region can return to their home as a possible fire threat for the day has been averted.
Thousands of firefighters battling bushfires in New South Wales were bracing for extreme weather conditions predicted for the day.
Strong winds, high temperatures and low humidity have been forecast by the authorities prompting rescue officials to prepare "for the worst."
The extreme weather conditions were expected to act as a fuel to the already raging bushfires.
"We are planning for the worst but we hope for the best," said NSW Premier Barry O`Farrell.
As the weather was set to worsen, warning level was escalated to the second highest level. Schools, hospitals and childcare centres were closed and residents of the area were asked to evacuate the place.
Over 1,000 additional firefighters have been deployed in the area to prepare for the worse weather condition.
Bushfire emergency was declared in the New South Wales area last Thursday even as fire was seen in Blue Mountains at Lithgow, Springwood and Mount Victoria earlier.
