Australia braces for bushfire onslaught

The remains of a car and house can be seen after a bushfire destroyed them at Humbug Scrub in South Australia in this picture taken on January 3, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

SYDNEY - Two Australian states and more than 1,000 firemen and women are bracing themselves for a potential bushfire catastrophe on Tuesday.

Soaring temperatures in the South Australian capital of Adelaide and the regions around Perth in Western Australia have made for ideal wildfire conditions.

In Adelaide and surrounds, 26 homes are so far known to have been destroyed by a fire which has been burning for days, and has a perimeter of 240 kilometers.

A further 41 outdoor structures such as sheds have burnt to the ground.

The number of destroyed properties is expected to grow as emergency service personnel inspect burnt out areas.

Images have also emerged of wildlife such as koala bears being given drinks of water by concerned people who have found the animals cowering in fire affected areas, or seeking refuge in backyards.