By Saturday Australian fire-fighters were saying nearly 200 homes had been destroyed by the New South Wales wildfires.
It's feared more will be lost as hopes faded for rain over the weekend.SHANE FITZSIMMONS, RURAL FIRE SERVICE COMMISSIONER, SAYING:
"The optimism we had for good widespread rain seems to be disappearing and at best we're talking about some showers across different areas later in the week."
Prime Minister Tony Abbott's announced a financial aid package for those who've lost their homes.
But some whose homes have already been reduced to ashes are having to come to terms with the loss of more than just a roof over their heads.
CHRISTINE SENIOR, YELLOW ROCK RESIDENT, SAYING:
"I said to my husband I remember when you carried me across the threshold, I remember having all my babies here. All of that hard work that we put into everything for all the years and it's just gone. And you think 'I