AUSTRALIA'S BUSHFIRE BURNED TO ASHES

FAMILIES LOSE EVERYTHING JUST WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS

- By Carolyn Hiblen

Australia's on high alert after a state of emergency was called in NSW and WA, as bushfires swept through the states.

Disaster declarations have been issued for six NSW government areas after dozens of bushfires took hold in the state's Central and Mid North Coasts on December 6. More than 134 hectares were razed, leaving families homeless just weeks out from Christmas.

Residents in Julimar, Moondyne and Chittering, just outside of Perth, were told to leave on December 14 as bushfires threatened homes. A Watch and Act warning is in place for other parts of Moondyne and Chittering, downgraded from an Emergency.

Aided by extreme temperatures and strong winds, as many as 76 fires ripped through Koolewong Reserve, Woy Woy Bay Road and Phegans Bay on the Central Coast, destroying 16 homes. In Bulahdelah, on the Mid North Coast, a further four homes were lost.

Tragically, veteran NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service firefighter John Lohan, 59, died while battling the Bulahdelah blaze. He was struck by a falling tree.

NSW Premier Chris Minns told