Bushfire weather warning

More than 60 bushfires were still burning in New South Wales on Sunday.

Hopes for wet weather over the weekend to help fight the flames proved unfounded.

Now Australian fire authorities are warning the arrival of hot, dry gusting winds over the coming days will make their task even harder.

(SOUNDBITE)(English) RURAL FIRE SERVICE COMMISSIONER SHANE FITZSIMMONS SAYING:

"We've looked at the best case, worst case, and in-between scenarios and no matter which scenario you look at there is going to be a significant amount of fire activity across the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury communities throughout this week."

It's believed more than 200 homes have already been destroyed and the final figure is likely to be higher still.

Fire-fighters from other states are being drafted in to reinforce efforts to contain the blazes which have reduced tens of thousands of hectares to ash.