Australia’s most populous state prepares for extreme fires

CANBRERRA, Australia (AP) — Hundreds of schools remain closed across Australia’s most populous state, and residents have been urged to evacuate woodlands for the relative safety of city centers as authorities brace for extreme fire danger.
New South Wales on Monday declared a weeklong state of emergency in preparation for Tuesday’s hot, dry and windy conditions. The declaration gives the Rural Fire Service sweeping powers to control resources and direct other government agencie