NSW firefighters, premier on wildfires battle

Officials in the Australian state of New South Wales told a news conference Friday they'll consider it a "success" if no lives are lost Saturday in what is said to be another day of extreme weather conditions.

More than 200 fires were burning, and warnings of danger to come Saturday set in motion one of the largest evacuations in Australian history.

Traffic was gridlocked as people fled and firefighters escorted convoys of evacuees as fires threatened to close roads.

People were advised to seek shelter near the beach and in areas that were already burnt out, New South Wales Regional Fire Services Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers told the news conference.

Speaking alongside Rogers, New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian urged people to make use of the reopened Princess Highway and evacuate where possible.

"There is a window there until tonight for people to get out and we encourage them to do so. Please do not stay in the area unless you absolutely have to," she said.

At least 448 homes have been destroyed on the New South Wales southern coast this week while dozens were burned in Victoria.

Ten deaths have been confirmed in the two states this week, and Victoria authorities also say 28 people are missing.

Fires are also burning in Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.