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Australia battles bush blazes, intense heat

Updated 7:39 AM ET, Tue January 8, 2013

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A volunteer Rural Fire Service member from Bungendore RFS washes down a emergency service vehicle on January 8, 2013 in Bungendore, Australia.
Photos: Australia battles bush blazes, intense heat
Australia battles bush blazes, intense heat – A volunteer Rural Fire Service member from Bungendore RFS washes down a emergency service vehicle on January 8, 2013 in Bungendore, Australia.
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Fire hoses from Bungendore RFS sit on shelves on January 8, 2013 in Bungendore, Australia.
Photos: Australia battles bush blazes, intense heat
Australia battles bush blazes, intense heat – Fire hoses from Bungendore RFS sit on shelves on January 8, 2013 in Bungendore, Australia.
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Fire fighters battle a grass fire in Oura, near Wagga Wagga in New South Wales on January 8, 2013.
Photos: Australia battles bush blazes, intense heat
Australia battles bush blazes, intense heat – Fire fighters battle a grass fire in Oura, near Wagga Wagga in New South Wales on January 8, 2013.
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These weather maps are produced from computer models and are used by forecasters to develop the official weather maps, which contain added features such as cold fronts.
Photos: Australia battles bush blazes, intense heat
Heat map – These weather maps are produced from computer models and are used by forecasters to develop the official weather maps, which contain added features such as cold fronts.
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Southern states of Australia were hit by soaring temperatures on January 8, 2013, raising the risk of bushfires in the region. Thousands of firefighters were deployed in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania as strong winds fanned flames.
Photos: Australia battles bush blazes, intense heat
Australia battles bush blazes, intense heat – Southern states of Australia were hit by soaring temperatures on January 8, 2013, raising the risk of bushfires in the region. Thousands of firefighters were deployed in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania as strong winds fanned flames.
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Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia was packed with people attempting to cool down as temperatures hit 43 degrees Celsius (109 Fahrenheit).
Photos: Australia battles bush blazes, intense heat
Sydney swelters during heatwave – Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia was packed with people attempting to cool down as temperatures hit 43 degrees Celsius (109 Fahrenheit).
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The soaring temperatures, coupled with strong winds, raised the fire risk to "extreme" or higher across 90% of the state.
Photos: Australia battles bush blazes, intense heat
Sydney swelters during heatwave – The soaring temperatures, coupled with strong winds, raised the fire risk to "extreme" or higher across 90% of the state.
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A lifeguard sign warns beach-goers of the high temperatures at Tamarama Beach in Sydney on January 8.
Photos: Australia battles bush blazes, intense heat
Sydney swelters during heatwave – A lifeguard sign warns beach-goers of the high temperatures at Tamarama Beach in Sydney on January 8.
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Tourists cover themselves with towels to protect themselves from the sun on one of the hottest days on record.
Photos: Australia battles bush blazes, intense heat
Sydney swelters during heatwave – Tourists cover themselves with towels to protect themselves from the sun on one of the hottest days on record.
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Tommy Robredo of Spain rests next to a fan in between games in his first round match against John Millman of Australia during day three of Sydney International at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre.
Photos: Australia battles bush blazes, intense heat
Sydney swelters during heatwave – Tommy Robredo of Spain rests next to a fan in between games in his first round match against John Millman of Australia during day three of Sydney International at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre.
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A pair of Zebras attempts to eat an iced carrot block at Taronga Zoo.
Photos: Australia battles bush blazes, intense heat
Sydney swelters during heatwave – A pair of Zebras attempts to eat an iced carrot block at Taronga Zoo.
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The fire rating reached "catastrophic" in four areas of New South Wales, prompting warnings from Prime Minister Julia Gillard that Tuesday was a "dangerous day."
Photos: Australia battles bush blazes, intense heat
Sydney swelters during heatwave – The fire rating reached "catastrophic" in four areas of New South Wales, prompting warnings from Prime Minister Julia Gillard that Tuesday was a "dangerous day."
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