The annual forest fires in south-eastern Australia began early this year. According to local authorities, 110 forest fires have been burning in both Queensland and New South Wales since last Friday.

The pictures show how flat water bombs big flames and how buildings were destroyed. According to ABC News, 21 homes have been destroyed in the fires so far.

Dry and hot year

The year has been unusually hot and dry over most parts of Australia and this in turn has left the nature flammable and the fire risk unusually high, especially when temperatures start rising again after the end of the winter season.

The forest fire season is expected to be worse than normal this year across major parts of the country.

Critical location for injured firefighter

Volunteer firefighter, Neville Smith, who fought the flames in Tenterfield, in the state of New South Wales, was severely burned during Friday's local time. He was taken to hospital and the injury situation was assessed as critical but stable on Saturday.

173 people died in 2009

The forest fires in 2009 were the worst in several decades, killing 173 people and destroying more than 2,000 homes in Victoria.