Hundreds of schools are closed and thousands of firefighters and water bombing aircraft are on standby in New South Wales.

The fire danger rating is listed as catastrophic - with strong winds and soaring temperatures.

More than 50 fires are still burning - most on the state's mid-north coast, where at least three people have died, and 150 homes have been destroyed.

ARN Newsreader Sean Frazer told Simon and Phil everyone is on high alert as high winds and scorching conditions continue

LISTEN ABOVE