It is thought as many as 100 properties have been destroyed in the New South Wales bushfire crisis in Australia.

Around 2,000 firefighters are continuing to battle the blaze in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney.

It has also claimed the life of a Central Coast resident - an elderly man in his sixties - while one firefighter remains in hospital.

The fires are the worst to hit the state in a decade.

ABC News says cool temperatures and a drop in wind speed have offered firefighters relief today, but that the situation remains dangerous.

Authorities are beginning to get a clearer picture of the destruction and damage to property.

More than 20 bushfires are burning uncontained in parts of New South Wales.

The Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott says the entire country is grieving for those affected.

"There are hundreds of people who are grieving the loss of property" he said. Tragically there has been, it seems, one life lost further north - someone who was defending his house".

"We grieve for everyone impacted by these fires" he added.

Irish journalist with ABC News in Sydney is Paul Quinn. He says the full extent of the damage is unknown.