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SYDNEY — Thousands of Australians fled their homes, as wildfires raged across the nation’s south on Saturday, with firefighters struggling to contain the blazes fanned by strong winds.

Six homes were destroyed by the fires in South Australia and Victoria states, officials said, though no serious injuries have been reported.

Dry conditions and temperatures in the upper 30s Celsius (around 100 degrees Fahrenheit) were causing headaches for firefighters battling the blazes. Officials said it would likely take days to get the fires under control.

‘Fire Cloud’ Thankful that the fire hasn’t gone in our direction but feeling for all those friends who had to evacuate and for the towns in the firing line. Have spent a lot of time in Kersbrook, Cudlee Creek etc and it’s just horrible to think what they are facing today.

A photo posted by Ben Goode (@benjamingoode) on Jan 1, 2015 at 2:38pm PST

The worst of the fires was in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia, where the flames had destroyed five homes, and put hundreds of others at risk, state Country Fire Service spokesperson Daniel Hamilton said. Residents of 19 communities had been asked to evacuate, as a predicted shift in the winds later Saturday prompted fears the flames could worsen.

Here are some more photos of the fire damage at my grandparents’ property in Lower Hermitage. #SAFires pic.twitter.com/9oovJnC6wz

— AliciaMelville-Smith (@alicia_ms) January 3, 2015

The forecast was also calling for increased humidity, which could slow the fire’s progress Saturday night, Hamilton said.

“There should be no sense of relief because the temperatures are somewhat lower, or that there are spots of rain about,” South Australia Premier Jay Weatherill told reporters in Adelaide. “The situation remains extremely dangerous, and our warnings that were issued earlier today must be heeded.”

South Australia Police also urged people near out-of-control bushfires to “implement their survival plans,” after the state declared an emergency.

Flew in to #Adelaide over the #SAFires today. Huge fire front out window, hope all r ok. pic.twitter.com/Sd98ubBeY8

— Guy Tunbridge (@Guy_Tunbridge) January 3, 2015

Up to 2,000 firefighters were battling the blazes across the state from the ground and the air, with more than a dozen aircraft dumping water onto the flames.

A photo posted by Morne Saffieboy de Klerk (@photolifemorne) on Jan 1, 2015 at 2:47am PST

Six firefighters were treated for minor conditions, mainly smoke inhalation, Country Fire Service Chief Officer Greg Nettleton said.

In neighboring Victoria state, firefighters had controlled more than 300 fires since Friday, with only one still considered a danger. One home was destroyed in the blaze in the western Victoria town of Moyston, state Country Fire Service spokesperson Mario Xuereb said.

Humbug Scrub fire Adelaide Hills. Still not in control at 2105hrs pic.twitter.com/Gou4lMpY2H

— Stan Jezioranski (@Stanjez) January 2, 2015

A shift in the weather Saturday afternoon was expected to bring light rain, wind and lightning to the area, which could exacerbate the blaze. The rain wouldn’t be enough to quell the flames, and the lightning could spark fresh fires, Xuereb said.

So much smoke. Way too close to home #fire #adelaide #southauatralia #prayforadelaide #smoke #crisis

A photo posted by @breenamarie on Jan 1, 2015 at 4:37am PST

Destructive wildfires are common across much of Australia during the summer months. In 2009, wildfires killed 173 people and destroyed more than 2,000 homes in Victoria. Scientific studies, some by the Australian government, have shown that larger, more damaging fires are becoming more frequent as the Australian climate warms in response to global climate change.

Fire as coming in to Adelaide from Perth. Not far from our joint! pic.twitter.com/Wv6EYQhXmV

— Gordinis (@JamesGordinis) January 2, 2015

This year, like the last, has been unusually warm in Australia. For example, for the second year in a row, Australia had its warmest spring on record, according to the U.S. National Climatic Data Center, with the warmth especially pronounced in South Australia where the fires are now raging. According to Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology, nine of the 10 warmest summers on record have occurred since 2002.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has consistently downplayed any links between wildfires and global warming.

See 22 Instagram photos of the wildfires across southern Australia

Additional reporting by Mashable

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Read more: http://mashable.com/2015/01/03/australia-wildfire/