The evacuation measures are in place on the eve of famous firework celebrations, which attract the attention of hundreds of thousands, in the state's capital, Sydney, with authorities saying the event is to take place as scheduled. The city is already struggling with hazardous smoke caused by the bushfires.
A warm front is underway in the neighbouring state of New South Wales, with fire warnings spreading from Western Australia through South Australia to Tasmania.
Since early November, Australia has been rocked by severe bushfires, which have already left nine dead. According to multiple reports, at least 3 million hectares of land and around 700 homes have been burned down in the last few months.
