Firefighters warned a bushfire had started in Lovedale, New South Wales, as the state experienced high temperatures on Thursday, December 14.

The NSW Rural Fire Service issued a watch and act warning to residents at about 2:30 pm, saying the fire was being moved along by strong winds in a southeastern direction. At 3pm, the Maitland Mercury reported the fire was burning across five hectares. Credit: NSW Rural Fire Service via Storyful