Firefighters staged an unprecedented protest outside Australian Parliament today calling for more resources and action on climate change, as a senior firefighter said the brigade could not "perform miracles".

Residents were being evacuated from their homes as bushfires ravaged the outskirts of Sydney as Australia's bushfire crisis continues.

In New South Wales alone more than 7,000 fires have burnt through more than two million hectares since July, killing six people and destroying 673 homes.

On Thursday a group of firefighters held a protest and media conference in front of Parliament House demanding action on climate change and more resources for firefighting services.