Australia braces for heatwave as more than 100 fires burn

Out of control bushfires forced residents in eastern Australia to flee their homes on Saturday, as other parts of the country braced for a heatwave due next week.

Bushfires are common in the country but scientists say this year's season has come earlier and with more intensity due to a prolonged drought and climatic conditions fuelled by global warming.

Scorching temperatures have tipped above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) close to where a fire was burning on the outskirts of Brisbane in Queensland state, with residents in three suburbs told to "leave immediately".

"Conditions are now very dangerous and firefighters may soon be unable to prevent the fire advancing," the Queensland Fire Authorities warned. "The fire may pose a threat to all lives directly in its path."