Over 80 fires are now burning up large parts of New South Wales as some people flee their homes while others have been told it's too late to leave.
Eleven of those fires have been classified as 'emergency level', and 150 homes have already been lost.
Two public schools have been destroyed and a polytech employee is among the four people who have died in the fires.
About 600 schools, 21 polytechs and several university campuses are closed.
Tempers have also flared on the northern coast as politicians visit to speak to locals.
Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and Labor state MP Janelle Saffin were promising to petition parliament for more resources, as Nimbin resident Ginger O'Brien let loose.
Much of Greater Sydney, plus Shoalhaven to the South and the Hunter region to the north, are on a severe weather warning as damaging winds are about to pick up.
Lisa Owen talks to Josh Dye from the Sydney Morning Herald.
