3:04 a.m. ET, November 12, 2019
Here's what happened with the Australia wildfires today
Locals watch fires near farmland in the regional center of Nana Glen, about 600 kilometers (372 miles) north of Sydney, on November 12.
William West/AFP via Getty Images
Firefighters are still battling at least 12 emergency-level blazes across New South Wales after a day of "catastrophic" fire risk in heavily populated parts of the state.
An emergency warning is issued when a fire is imminently threatening a town or community or has broken through containment lines.
In total there are 85 fires burning across New South Wales, half of which are out of control.
A number of firefighters have been injured on the front lines, including one emergency worker who suffered a fractured arm and ribs.
So far, major population centers appear to be mostly unscathed. There are reports of injuries and property damage, but authorities have not confirmed the exact number.
New South Wales Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the danger wasn't over yet.
"We still need to remain vigilant. We've been dealing with fires up the north coast, we've been dealing with new fires down around other parts of NSW," he said.
"We've still got many hours yet of these strong, dry winds."