Australia's worst bush fires for decades are raging out of control around Sydney.
The fires killed a second elderly man as winds pushed the flames closer to the city's northern suburbs. Police found the body of the 71-year-old man in north western Sydney last night.
A 73-year-old man had earlier died of a heart attack on Wednesday night.
A total of 173,000 acres of bushland has been devoured by 79 fires burning across New South Wales state. At least 18 homes have been lost since the fires erupted two days ago.
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But officials said a drop in temperatures was easing conditions.
A student (18) charged with starting one of the fires is due in court. Other fires are believed to have been started by people tossing cigarette ends out of car windows.
AP