In pictures: Australian bushfires

Residents, firefighters and troops are battling to stop the apparently relentless progress of some of the worst fires to hit south-eastern Australia for half a century.

Emergency chiefs said the fires were simply too big and widespread to be brought under immediate control

Flames ripped through Canberra suburbs, engulfing buildings in their way

Fires hemmed in Australia's capital city on three sides

A year of drought laid the foundation for the fires, which were fanned by strong winds and high temperatures

A thick blanket of smoke turned day into night, with the main light coming from the fires

Bushfires also broke out in Sydney, but firefighters were able to control the spread