(CNN) A series of "unprecedented" bushfires are raging through Australia's southeastern state of New South Wales, with three people dead and more than 1,000 firefighters battling five emergency-level blazes and dangerous conditions.

A water bombing helicopter drops water on a bushfires in Harrington, New South Wales, Australia, 08 November 2019.

At least seven other people remain missing in the blazes, New South Wales Rural Fire Services commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said at a press conference Saturday.

One of those killed was found inside a vehicle, while the other had died in hospital while being treated for severe burns. The body of a third person was found on Saturday afternoon in a burnt-out home.

Fitzsimmons said preliminary reports suggested at least 100 homes had been destroyed in the blazes.

Images posted to social media show ominous bright orange skies and thick smoke wafting across roads and towns throughout the region.

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